About NCDHP

About NCDHP 

The National Council of Dental Health Programs (NCDHP) was founded by experienced leaders in dental professional wellness and peer support. It emerged from collaborations among representatives of state dental wellness programs who recognized the need for consistent, sustainable structures to support dental professionals nationwide — particularly those facing challenges related to substance use, mental health, and professional impairment. 

NCDHP focuses on advancing state-level systems, encouraging best practices in peer assistance, professional monitoring, education, and advocacy. We work collaboratively with dental societies, licensing boards, and other stakeholders to help build and maintain effective wellness resources. 

Our leaders bring decades of experience in wellness program development, peer support systems, and organizational improvement. We serve as a trusted thought partner for dental societies looking to evaluate, build, or strengthen their approaches to impaired professional support — always recognizing that local conditions, laws, and cultures shape what is possible. 

NCDHP offers thought leadership, consultation, and a collaborative network. We are not a regulatory body and do not deliver treatment or monitoring services ourselves. Instead, we offer ideas, models, and insights to help states build stronger wellness support systems for dental professionals. 

Mission
Our mission is to support dentist health programs in promoting the well-being of dental professionals, thereby enhancing the health and well-being of providers and their patients. 

Vision
Our vision is compassionate, accessible, and stigma-free support, ensuring all dental professionals have access to the resources they need to thrive in their practice and personal lives. 

Core Values

• Advocacy: Advocating for the health and well-being of dental professionals and promoting policies within the dental community that support their mental and physical health.
   
• Compassion: Promoting a culture of empathy, understanding, and care for dental professionals facing health challenges.
   
• Collaboration: Fostering cooperation across the dental health system among dentist health programs, regulatory boards, and other stakeholders to advance our mission.
   
• Empowerment: Empowering dentist health programs to uphold best practices in supporting the health and well-being of dental professionals.
   
• Inclusivity: Ensuring all dental professionals, regardless of background, have equal access to supportive resources.