Summary
Dental hygienists face unique stressors when working with patients who may experience deep-seated survival responses to
dental procedures. During this presentation, dive into the heart of patient care to enhance your understanding of
trauma-informed care and to better support patients with trauma and anxiety. Explore the multifaceted nature of trauma,
from its psychological underpinnings to its impact on the brain. Gain valuable insights into dental-specific trauma
responses and boundary ruptures, equipping you to navigate challenging patient interactions with empathy and skill.
Presenter
Sylvie Hamel, RCC-ACS
Sylvie Hamel is a registered clinical counsellor and approved clinical supervisor with extensive expertise in trauma
therapy. Her private practice specializes in various forms of trauma, including a unique focus on medical and dental
trauma. Sylvie has successfully guided numerous clients through dental trauma and other barriers to accessing oral
health care. As a key clinical contributor to a collaborative project between the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
(BCACC) and the British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association (BCDHA), Sylvie played a crucial role in developing
mentalhealthdentalhealth.com. This innovative website, along with other supporting tools, aims to equip dental
hygienists and oral health professionals with resources for delivering trauma-informed care. Additionally, the platform
offers valuable resources to help alleviate anxiety for individuals seeking oral health services.
Learning Outcomes
After the webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understand the impact of trauma during dental hygiene appointments
- Recognize signs of trauma activation and anxiety in patients
- Describe the role of a dental hygienist as a co-regulator
- Explore the role of communication and empathy in fostering patient trust and comfort
- Discover practical tools for promoting patient regulation using trauma-informed approaches to create a supportive
environment for healing