The conference brings together dental societies, licensing boards, and health programs to examine how support systems are built and sustained at the state level. Intended for dental professionals and leaders responsible for professional health and patient safety.
Agenda
The agenda below reflects a balance of data, systems‑level perspectives, and practical program models.
11:00–11:10 AM
Welcome & Housekeeping
Alan Budd, DMD
11:10–11:55 AM
Why Dentists Don’t Seek Help: Closing the Gap Between Resources and Utilization
Brett Kessler, DDS
11:55 AM–12:05 PM
Break / Audience Poll
12:05–12:50 PM
What the Data Tell Us About Dental Professional Well‑Being
Matt Wehner & Mary Wolf, MS, LPC, MH, BCC
12:50–1:35 PM
Lessons from the Physician Health Model
Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, FAPA, FASAM
1:35–1:45 PM
Break / Audience Poll Results
1:45–2:30 PM
Panel: Low Utilization and Shared Responsibility
Melodie Jones, DMD; Jennifer Thompson, DDS; Robert White, LCPC
Moderated by William Kane, DDS, MBA
2:30–3:15 PM
North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals: Program Model and Outcomes
J. William Claytor, Jr., DDS, MAGD
3:15–3:30 PM
Q&A and Closing Remarks
Alan Budd, DMD
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
1. Identify the primary barriers — including stigma, confidentiality concerns, and lack of awareness — that prevent dental professionals from seeking help for substance use disorders and other mental health conditions.
2. Describe the distinct and interdependent roles of dental licensing boards, professional associations, and dental professional health programs.
3. Explain how delayed help-seeking increases risk to patient safety.
4. Compare dentist health programs with physician health programs and identify implications for program development and improvement.
5. Identify at least one specific action their organization can take to strengthen dental professional well-being infrastructure in their state.
Alan Budd, DMD
President, National Council of Dentist Health Programs
Founder and director of Dentists Concerned for Dentists of Massachusetts and a national leader in peer‑based confidential support and diversion programs for dental professionals.
Brett Kessler, DDS
Immediate Past President, American Dental Association
Former ADA President and past Colorado Dental Association president with longstanding leadership in dentist well‑being and professional responsibility.
Matt Wehner
Senior Account Executive, Well‑Being Index (Champions of Wellness)
Works with dental and healthcare organizations to use data from the Mayo Clinic Well‑Being Index to address burnout and support clinician well‑being.
Mary Wolf, MS, LPC‑MH, BCC
Founder, Veritee Partners
Licensed counselor and board‑certified coach focused on clinician well‑being and performance, with leadership experience in statewide dental and physician well‑being programs.
Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, FAPA, FASAM
Chief Medical Officer, Federation of State Physician Health Programs
Executive medical leader in physician health programs with extensive experience in psychiatry, addiction medicine, and recovery‑oriented systems of care.
William Kane, DDS, MBA
Vice President, Missouri Dental Board
Longtime dental leader with decades of experience in dentist well‑being, regulation, and humanitarian service.
Melodie A. Jones, DMD
Past President, Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama
General dentist and regulatory leader with extensive experience advancing licensure reform and reducing stigma related to professional well‑being.
Jennifer Thompson, DDS, FACD, FICD, FPFA
Chair, ADA Council on Dental Practice
Dental leader and policymaker with extensive experience in dental standards, licensure, and professional practice at the state and national levels.
Robert White, MA, LCPC
Clinical Director, Maryland Dentist Well‑Being Committee
Veteran clinical leader in professional health and rehabilitation programs with decades of experience supporting healthcare professionals.
J. William “Bill” Claytor, Jr., DDS, MAGD, FACD
Executive Director, North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals
Nationally recognized leader in substance use disorders and dental professional well‑being with extensive experience in program development and education.
This is a virtual conference. Continuing education credit: 4.0 hours.
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