Often when women join the Pause Programme, they haven’t previously registered for GP or dentalcare services. Sadly, many had difficult childhoods and no one prioritised meeting their needs, so they are not in the habit of routine health checks. For others, it may be a result of mental health issues or phobias, or a consequence of physical abuse, which has meant they have strict boundaries in terms of personal space. Certain aspects of healthcare appointments might trigger flashbacks. Some women simply haven’t prioritised their own mental and physical health in the past, due to the busyness of their lives.
Pause Practitioners support women to register at a local GP and dental surgery, so they have access to important healthcare and no longer rely on emergency services for their everyday health needs, which many have come to do. We hear from practices that inclusive, compassionate and trauma-informed services make all the difference when it comes to supporting women to get into a positive routine with their healthcare.
Pause Wiltshire have recently been working with Dentalcare dentist practice in Bradford-on-Avon, who have provided compassionate, trauma-informed dentistry to women working with the practice, making them feel at ease and supported when in the dentist chair. Practitioner Julia Williams said:
“Isabel [the dentist] never rushes through an appointment, she takes time to talk to the women and explain fully what she will be doing with them that day. She shows them the instruments she is going to use and lets them hear the sounds they make. Isabel and her dental nurse, Aga, regularly check the women are okay throughout the appointment and always treat them with a kind and familiar approach, ensuring they are at ease”.
One women, who got fitted with a new bottom set of teeth, said:
“I have been given my smile back”.
Not only are the women smiling more, but they are also no longer covering their mouths when they speak, they are eating and drinking regularly and their self-esteem has been elevated tenfold.
The team at Pause Wiltshire would like to say a huge thank you everyone at Dentalcare in Bradford-on-Avon.
Listen to our podcast episode on trauma-informed practice, in which we talk to trauma-informed dentist Christina Worle about her experience of working with Pause Plymouth.
