Although most domestic violence results in head or neck injuries, few dentists have been trained to identify patients who have been abused and to encourage them to seek help. That is about to change thanks to a grant from NYU’s Humanities Council, which funds innovative programs through its Curricular Development Challenge Fund. The Fund recently awarded NYUCD a one– year grant that will enable Dr. Maureen McAndrew and Dr. Jan Levy, both Clinical Associate Professors of Cariology and Comprehensive Care, to create an online tutorial that will guide NYUCD students and faculty through the process of assisting patients who have been victimized.

The tutorial will include photos of typical domestic abuse injuries; a guide to counseling, shelter, medical and legal resources; and role– playing videos that demonstrate how dentists should address this sensitive subject. The tutorial is expected to be completed and incorporated into the predoctoral curriculum by September 2009.