Objectives: 

• Understand the different types of PTSD and how each is unique within the dental experience
• Techniques to aid the Dental Health Care Provider in providing optimal care to their patient who may be suffering from PTSD
• Understand the oral implications many patients have as a result from their PTSD
• Determine best practices to address the oral implications patients may experience.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that results from exposure to a traumatic or stressful event, including, but not limited to:  military experience, childhood events, sexual assault, abuse, or previous dental experiences. Roughly 4 in 50 people will experience PTSD in their lifetime. Dental health care providers working in many types of clinical settings may experience an individual suffering from some form of PTSD during their daily practice. Since receiving oral care can be an insurmountable challenge for an individual with PTSD it is critical for dental health care professionals to obtain education about this growing health care crisis. This will enable professionals to deliver effective treatment, in addition to providing support for the family members who care for these patients.  This course will explore the various forms of PTSD along with their risk factors signs, and symptoms. The course will provide examples of oral implications a patient may experience due to PTSD as well as discuss ways in which the provider can help alleviate these effects, including some up and coming therapies that can be implemented into the dental practice. The course will conclude with a case study discussion on how to navigate treatment plans, provide trauma-informed care, and build relationships with patients and their families who suffer from PTSD.