General News
9 June, 2026
DV is nothing to smile about
DENTISTS who see signs of domestic violence in patients now have clearer legal guidance on how to respond, thanks to a new publication collaboratively developed by James Cook University, North Queensland Women’s Legal Service and Be Conscious trauma and domestic violence specialist.
‘Domestic Violence and Dental Professionals: A Legal Guide’ was released for May’s Domestic Violence Prevention Month.
Associate Professor Felicity Croker, from JCU’s College of Medicine and Dentistry at Smithfield, said dental professionals were often uniquely positioned to identify signs of domestic and family violence, yet many felt unsure about the appropriate next steps.
“There was a clear need for a dentistry-specific legal guidance to support practitioners responding to patients experiencing violence,” she said.
“This led to our collaboration with the North Queensland Women’s Legal Service and Be Conscious to produce Australia’s first legal guide for dental professionals responding to domestic and family violence.”
Co-author Dr Alex Dancyger, senior lecturer at JCU Dentistry, said the guide translated complex legal frameworks into practical, usable advice.
“Responding to domestic and family violence requires both a trauma-informed and legally-sound approach. The guide provides a clear legal lens, helping dentists balance patient autonomy and safety with professional obligations,” said Dr Dancyger.
Co-author Dr Ann Carrington, a social worker specialising in complex trauma and domestic violence, said the guide placed a strong emphasis on practical, trauma-informed care within dental settings.
“It helps dentists understand that legal responses to domestic and family violence should support victim-survivors without undermining their agency,” she said.
Associate Professor Croker said the legal guide was a first-of-its-kind in Australia.
“This guide builds on the suite of industry-leading dentistry-specific domestic and sexual violence resources,” she said.
“It’s the product of over a decade of our collaborative experience with domestic training for dental students and practitioners across the sector.”
