Domestic violence, dentistry and theater for change: An experiential approach to teaching dental students to identify and intervene in domestic violence

Friday, March 30, 2012: 3:40 PM-5:00 PM
Pacific B (San Francisco Marriott Marquis)
Speaker:
Joan M. Doris, DSW, University at Buffalo


Presentation Format:
Innovative/Promising Practice Program Report

Learning Objectives:
  1. Recognize the importance of using a practical, experiential approach to training health care providers to identify and effectively intervene with patients living with domestic violence
  2. Implement similar programs within their own university or community setting
  3. Recognize the importance of including such training in the dental school curriculum
Description:
This program describes a grant funded program in which dental students receive didactic training about domestic violence, then participate in role-plays with actors from Theater for Change, a theater company that seeks to educate people regarding social issues. The actors play victims, family members and colleagues, while dental students practice interventions and interviewing skills. The students receive feedback from the actors, as well as from professionals who work with victims. Research on this pilot program will also be presented.