Abstract
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on patients, considering trauma to better utilize methods for more effective patient care. This approach contains the following ten implementation domains that serve as a guide in organizational change:
- Governance and Leadership
- Policy
- Physical Environment
- Engagement and Involvement
- Cross-sector Collaboration
- Screening, Assessment, and Treatment Services
- Training and Workforce Development
- Progress Monitoring and Quality Assurance
- Financing
- Evaluation
Implementing TIC will ensure that patients feel safe and autonomous in dental clinics, which results in increased trust between patient and provider, reduced patient anxiety during office visits, and therefore better oral health outcomes.
Adverse Childhood Event (ACE) is a term that refers to traumatic events that occurred in someone’s life, typically defined as taking place before the age of 18, such as physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse. Approximately 45% of children and adolescents in the United States (reported by parents or guardians) and about 63.9% of adults have reported experiencing at least one ACE. Further, depression is one of the primary conditions affecting adults in long-term care settings and is often linked to prior traumatic experiences. It can range from varying levels of cognitive impairment, including dementia, which may influence a patient’s behavioral characteristics in healthcare environments. As a result, some patients may exhibit unusual agitation or aggression, refuse to comply with treatment plans, or socially isolate themselves. To combat this issue, additional training for both clinical and non-clinical staff members in the dental office is recommended to establish a safer environment for patients who require extra consolation and understanding.
Recommended Citation
(2026)
"Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in Dental Settings,"
New Orleans Dental Association News: Vol. 64:
No.
4, Article 3.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/noda-news/vol64/iss4/3
Included in
Dental Public Health and Education Commons, Mental and Social Health Commons, Quality Improvement Commons