Dental practices are not immune to the violence that has become common in healthcare settings.
In March, two dentists were shot while working at a practice in Tyler, Texas, and later died as a result of their injuries. In November 2020, another Texas dentist was shot during an attempted robbery outside his practice.
Since September 2014, Becker's has reported on 10 shootings that have occured at dental offices.
Healthcare organizations nationwide are beginning to crack down on workplace safety, considering it a critical issue. It may be time for dental to follow suit.
As healthcare safety issues become more prevalent, two dentists answered the question: "How should dental practices handle workplace safety/violence moving forward?"
Editor's note: Responses were edited lightly for clarity and brevity.
Barry Lyon, DDS. Dental Defense (Baltimore): Due to the frustrations brought on by the pandemic, current political polarization, the uncertain economy and the extreme weather we more frequently experience, the threshold for tolerance has been lowered for many. Add these concerns to the anxiety dental care and its costs can create, and the possibility of combustible situations is heightened.
Dental offices can institute strategies to help reduce the likelihood of a patient dispute. Staff should be instructed to listen and respond carefully to patients' concerns with the goal being conflict resolution, not escalation. Viewpoints and frustrations require empathy and consideration. Patients in the day's schedule who may have issues that could deteriorate into confrontation can be identified in morning huddles. Utilization of prepared, front-line training, similar to those offered to other public-facing healthcare staff, would be a valuable resource. Additionally, active shooter response training should be made available to office staff and providers.
Implementing these suggestions are a first step to prevent, or at least mitigate, any potential office conflict that could lead to violence.
Daniel Benson, DDS. Owner of Dr. Benson and Associates (Wyandotte, Mich.): Healthcare providers should avail themselves of de-escalating training using techniques such as a softer voice, eye to eye contact, etc. Other hard protection policies are employee-only locked doors and secure treatment areas. Any physically threatening patients should be dismissed immediately from the practice.