(PO-014) Dental Students' Intimate Partner Violence Education in 2010 vs. 2020

Author: Rachel I. Teitelbaum, BS – dental student, University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Author: Rachel Sinacola, D.D.S., MS – Adjunct clinical assistant professor, University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Author: Marita R. Inglehart, Ph.D. – Professor, University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Submitter: Marita R. Inglehart, Ph.D. – Professor, University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Objectives: Over the past decade, the Me Too Movement drew attention to sexual abuse in the work place and other settings. The objectives were to compare dental students' Intimate Partner Violence-related educational experiences before the Me Too Movement in 2010 vs. in 2020.

Methods: In 2010, 473 dental students responded to anonymous surveys and in 2020, 291 students participated in this study.

Results: 77% of the 2020 cohort, but  only 54.6% of the 2010 cohort agreed/strongly agreed with the statement, “I would like to receive more education about identifying signs of IPV in patients” (p < 0.001). The same differential in responses was found in response to the statement “Dental students should receive IPV education.” (88.3% vs. 69.3%; p< 0.001). In addition, the students in 2010 were less likely to agree that they lacked training in identifying a patient with IPV (21.8% vs. 69.5%; p< 0.001) and in addressing suspected IPV concerns (20.2% vs. 75.9%; p< 0.001) compared to the students in 2020. Overall, the 2020 cohort was more likely to agree/strongly agree that “IPV prevention and information material should be available in dental clinics” and that a victim of IPV would want their dentist/dental hygienist to address suspected abuse than the 2010 cohort (89.3% vs. 68%; p< 0.001 / 44.3% vs. 34.3%; p< 0.001) .

Conclusions: The data showed that the 2020 cohort wanted to receive more IPV related education, was more critical of their own lack of expertise and considered it more a barrier to IPV related professional behavior than the 2010 sample. Additionally, the recent cohort had more positive attitudes towards IPV-related dental education and towards addressing IPV in dental settings than students in 2010. The more positive recent IPV-related attitudes should be a call to action for dental educators to offer more IPV-related training.