The torture victim and the dentist: The social and material dynamics of trauma re-experi-encing triggered by dental visits

Abstract

Introduction: A significant proportion of refugees have been subjected to torture involving their mouth or teeth. Still the importance of oral health challenges is often overlooked. We present an exploration of the process through which trauma-related reactions are produced in torture victims in the course of undergoing dental treatment. Methods: Ten resettled refugees from Africa and the Middle East who experienced torture were recruited among patients affiliated with specialized clinics for oral health rehabilitation in Norway. Data were collected through semi-structured exploratory interviews, and analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Results and discussion: Our data suggest that dental treatment often involves an experience of being suspended, albeit temporarily, in an ob-jectified position, acted on by subjects capable of producing deeply undesirable mental, emo-tional, or bodily states. Going to the dentist entails choosing or accepting to be in a passive position, acted upon by elements in the clinical situation. These elements, we propose, may usefully be considered as subjects, i.e. agents. Three main categories emerged as the most prominent factors with such an agentic capac-ity: 1) pain, 2) traumatic memories and 3) the dentist. Submitting to dental treatment hence requires the patient’s willingness to give in to the actions of these factors, and avoiding treatment may therefore, in this situation, represent a means of retaining control.