Dental care of patients exposed to sexual abuse: Need for alliance between staff and patients

The aim was to explore the experiences of sexually abused individuals as dental patients. Purposively selected were 13 informants (11 women) aged 19–56. All had experienced sexual abuse children or adults and memories this been triggered expressed during a appointment. They encouraged relate in their own words interviews recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim, analysed according Qualitative Content Analysis. overall theme illustrating latent content appointment – volatile base requiring predictability secure working alliance. first category covering manifest care provider “assumes responsibility,” with two subcategories: (i) contradictory disclosure, (ii) alliance formation levelling power. second patient is “in focus,” alertness signs discomfort, attention obvious but subtle expressions needs. On an understanding that has abused, individually tailored, patient-centered approach treatment suggested. Dental providers may also need be aware reflect on position power, relation its possible chairside implications.