Gender-based violence, intimate partner violence and their impact on oral healthcare: Learning in Action Survey

A Self-Study Activity

Thank you for your interest in learning more about gender-based violence, intimate partner violence and its impact on oral healthcare.

Gender-based violence (GBV), including intimate partner violence (IPV), which is the most common form of GBV, is an epidemic in Canada, with 44% of women reporting experiencing violence from a partner in their lifetime. IPV often results in trauma to the face, head, and neck directly impacting oral health. The long-term effects of trauma can impair health, social and economic outcomes for survivors, above and beyond the obvious dental issues such as missing teeth and abscesses. Despite the significant and widespread dental harms caused by gender-based violence, survivors continue to face major barriers to accessing the care they need.

Dentists are uniquely positioned to identify the signs of GBV and IPV. By completing the activities below, you will learn more about how you can offer care that is safe, supportive, and trauma-informed promoting trust and inclusivity in your practice.

There are five activities listed below.
For each that you complete, you will earn one (1) continuing education point in Category 2, for a total up to five (5) points.

To obtain your certificate, you must answer the questions below and click SUBMIT.

We will review your submission and email you your certificate within five business days.

Once you have your certificate, you must enter your CE points into your e-Portfolio under Category 2, Self-Study Activity / e-Learning Program. You may choose to upload your certificate to the e-Portfolio or save it in your files.

Please email us at ce@rcdso.org with any questions. You will receive a response within two business days.

1.Contact Information

Please tell us about yourself. We will send your Certificate of Completion to the email address you provide.(Required.)

First Name

Last Name

RCDSO #

Email address

Primary practice location (city)

2.This section focuses on your continued learning and implementation of actions to identify and address gender-based violence and intimate-partner violence in your practice.

Please check all that apply. You will earn 1 CE point for each that you select.(Required.)

I have read at least one of the following:
Roles of dentistry in identifying and supporting individuals who have experienced gender-based violence: a scoping review.
Women's experiences of gender-based violence supports through an intersectional lens: a global scoping review

I have read Improving Access to Necessary Oral Healthcare Among Racialized Women Impacted by Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Exploration of Care Seeking Experiences.

I have reviewed the RCDSO's Prevention of Boundary Violations and Sexual Abuse | Standard of Practice (March 2025).

I have met with my team to discuss our response to potential signs of gender-based violence and/or intimate partner violence. Together, we have identified at least one action we will take to promote patient-centered / trauma-informed care.

I have shared the link to the recording for the RCDSO Connect: Gender-based violence/intimate partner violence and its impact on oral healthcare webinar with at least one professional in my office, and let them know about the Digital Story and Tackling Dental Health Care Access When Facing IPV

3.Please select all that apply: I will promote patient-centered / trauma-informed care in my practice by:(Required.)

Learning more about trauma and trauma-informed care and how it may appear during patient interactions.

Fostering and maintaining a calm, safe and welcoming environment for patients that helps them feel secure and respected.

Communicating clearly and compassionately with patients when explaining what will happen, when, why, and how, so they feel well informed and in control throughout their care.

Reminding the patient that they can start and stop as needed so they feel empowered and engaged.

Working and collaborating with patients to understand a pace of care and treatment that they find comfortable (e.g., allow for flexibility, take breaks, give space).

Reassuring the patient that any discomfort or pain will be addressed with care and sensitivity.

Listening and learning from my patients' experiences.

Sharing my knowledge and insights with others on my team.

Other (please specify)

4.Confirmation to the RCDSO of the accuracy of your responses is required.(Required.)

I attest that the information I have entered is accurate.

5.Follow -up: As part of our ongoing commitment to improve our resources, we would like to contact you to hear more about your experience with identifying and responding to gender-based violence and intimate partner violence. We will use your feedback to continue to strengthen these resources.

I give permission for the RCDSO to contact me to hear more about my experience with identifying and responding to gender-based violence and intimate partner violence.(Required.)

Yes