September is National Recovery Month , which aims to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives . Recovery month recognizes the benefits of treatment , recovery and prevention for people suffering from a substance abuse issue or mental health disorder . It pays tribute to the achievement of those in recovery and emphasizes that treatment does work , and that people can and do recover . It also helps to reduce the stigmas and misconceptions that influence public understanding about mental and substance use disorders .
A license to practice does not offer immunity from impairment . ADA has reported that approximately 10 to 15 percent of dental professionals develop a substance use problem at some point in their lives . While this percentage is about the same prevalence as the general public , some aspects of the dental profession may create an environment that actually aids in the development of a problem .
Chemical dependency is one of the single most frequent disabling illnesses among dental practitioners , and thus poses a problem for the profession and society alike . Some dental professionals abuse alcohol , prescription drugs , illegal drugs or nitrous oxide . Dental professionals may have access to drugs that are not readily available to others .
Dentists in private practice often work in an environment that is free from the interaction and scrutiny of peers , which is often experienced in a hospital or clinic setting . Co-workers are often subordinates , where dentists hold the authority , which makes it extremely difficult for staff to intervene in potentially problematic situations .
However , there are excellent recovery rates for professionals who have been adequately treated for addictive illness and who are diligent about their participation in monitoring programs and ongoing treatment recommendations . These individuals often report striking qualitative differences in their practices , as their experiences with personal illness and recovery have made them more empathic , more compassionate and better able to deal with stress on many levels .
The Pennsylvania Dental Association ’ s Health and Well-Being Program , which is administered by the Physicians ’ Health Program ( PHP ), offers a comprehensive assistance program that responds to referrals statewide , and offers a structured , monitored and long- term recovery program . When personal problems arise , dental professionals often do not want to seek help , and try to cope on their own . Dentistry can be stressful and poses unique challenges and risks to its practitioners . The PHP can help at the first signs of a problem , with the ultimate goal of assisting the dental professional to either maintain optimum health or restore health while maintaining the ability to continue or return to practice .
A dental professional is considered to be impaired when problems ( i . e . addiction , physical disabilities or neuropsychiatric difficulties ) interfere with the ability to function professionally or personally . Possible warning signs can include : changes in physical appearance or hygiene , extreme mood swings , disregarding priorities , isolation , lack of motivation or the development of a mental illness such as depression or anxiety .
If you are suffering from addiction or mental illness , or you are aware of somebody in the dental community who may be exhibiting warning signs , please consider contacting PDA toll free at ( 800 ) 223-0016 . Confidential referrals are accepted from anybody who is concerned about a dental professional . Education , identification and intervention are the first steps towards rehabilitation .
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 27