Breaking the Shame of Mental Health and Addiction Struggles in Dentistry
Texas has taken a step to reduce stigma for dentists seeking mental health or substance misuse treatment by revising its licensing renewal process. With leadership from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and support from the ADA, the movement aims to foster a culture of care and collaboration nationwide.
In a guest editorial recently published in the ADANews, Robert G. McNeill, DDS, MD, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in private practice in Garland, Texas, wrote passionately about an important change to Texas’ dental license renewal process. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners recently replaced the stigmatizing “have you ever” mental health questions with a single, current impairment query. The adjustment is meant to address the fact that some dentists will not seek treatment for mental health problems or substance misuse due to fear of positively answering these questions on their license renewal application.
The American Dental Association (ADA) Well-Being Index reveals that 56% of dentists experience distress or challenges in their daily lives. Four states, including Texas, have adopted reforms, and four more are making progress. To support this movement, a resource toolkit is available for dental organizations seeking to implement similar changes. Dentists are encouraged to prioritize self-care and check in with their peers. Click here to read more.
