College of Dental Medicine Lasting Impressions Magazine

While the patients “need extra TLC and more time in certain areas for processing things or establishing a comfort level and trust, the tendency is to want to coddle them,” Ede-Nichols explained. “We’re not going to treat them as if they’re disabled in any way.” Some survivor interactions have pleasantly surprised Ede-Nichols, such as when a survivor who had been abused by a man became comfortable receiving dental services from a male resident. Ivonne Duarte, a second-year AEGD resident, noted that while providing services to a survivor was initially challenging, “after the first appointment, I felt I was with a good friend.” To date, 15 survivors have received services through CREATE. “The numbers seem low, but we look at it in terms of impact, because each person needs so much,” Gaillard-Kenney said. “Research shows employment can be based on a first impression. If someone has a poor smile or unhealthy oral health, that can take the person out of some entry-level jobs,” Kent said. “A healthy smile can make that person feel more confident and comfortable.” One survivor had missing teeth because of the violence to which she had been subjected, requiring significant dental reconstruction. The woman’s victim advocate said the survivor’s self-esteem was low because of her missing teeth. “Afterward, the woman was so grateful that we were able to provide some help so she can begin healing and going on with her life,” Gaillard-Kenney said. THE FUTURE OF CREATE The CREATE organizers hope to expand its services, especially since Florida has the nation’s third-highest number of victims. “Florida lends itself to a lot of quick movement of people,” Gaillard-Kenney noted. “We have tourism, agriculture, and a lot of low-paying jobs. There is still this myth that trafficking—which is human slavery— doesn’t happen in the United States.” Nationally, an estimated 17,000 people a year are brought in from overseas for trafficking, although Gaillard-Kenney said she believes that number is most likely higher. Gaillard-Kenney and Kent work with victim advocates referred from the Broward Human Trafficking Coalition, Camillus House’s human trafficking victim advocacy program, the International Rescue Committee, Kristi House, and U.S. Homeland Security. CREATE has a number of community partners, including the Southern District of Florida Miami U.S. Attorney’s Office. Gaillard-Kenney said she views the CREATE program as receiving a “huge powerhouse of resources” from NSU. Plans call for expanding to the NSU colleges of osteopathic medicine and allopathic medicine, as well as the education school, to help survivors get their GED, and the law school for pro bono help in legal issues. “Our chief goal beyond what we are doing now is to continue to seek grant funding so CREATE becomes self-sustaining and grows beyond where we are now,” Gaillard-Kenney said. She and Kent seek to create intern- ships and add staff while continuing to conduct research and awareness trainings for students on all academic levels. The CREATE-CDM relationship will be an important part of that future. For more information about the program, contact CREATE at create@nova.edu . u NSU COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE © 15 As of January 1, 2016, Florida law requires human trafficking signs at adult entertainment establishments, rest areas, airports, massage services that are not owned by a regulated health care profession, and emer- gency rooms. The law (HB 369) requires that the signs be “in a conspicuous location that is clearly visible.” Signs must be in English and Spanish and state “If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in an activity and cannot leave—whether it is prostitu- tion, housework, farm work, factory work, retail work, restaurant work, or any other activity—call 888-373-7888 (NHTRC hotline) or text INFO or HELP to 233-733.”