Founding Story

The National Council of Dental Health Programs (NCDHP) was founded by experienced leaders in dental professional wellness and peer support. It grew out of collaboration among state dentist health program representatives who saw the need for consistent, sustainable structures to support dental professionals facing substance use and professional impairment.

Our founding reflects a shared commitment to strengthening state-level systems through collaboration, insight, and practical experience. NCDHP serves as a trusted thought partner to dental societies and other stakeholders seeking to evaluate or enhance their approaches to professional support.

Our leadership brings decades of experience in program development, peer assistance, and organizational improvement. We understand that local laws, cultures, and conditions shape what is possible—and we work with states to build solutions that fit.

At the heart of NCDHP is a commitment to empowering state dental programs to foster innovation, sustainability, and excellence in professional wellness. We support their efforts by sharing expertise, facilitating collaboration, and promoting peer-based approaches that strengthen their ability to assist dental professionals facing challenges related to substance use and professional impairment.

We offer strategic insight, proven models, and access to a collaborative national network. While we do not provide treatment or monitoring services, we contribute thought leadership by sharing ideas, highlighting innovations, and helping shape the future of professional well-being.

Our work helps states design effective, sustainable support systems tailored to their unique needs.

Our vision is a future where every dental professional has access to confidential, trusted support—before a crisis occurs. We aim to expand our reach by collaborating with state societies, licensing boards, and educational institutions to build systems that prioritize prevention, recovery, and professional integrity. Looking ahead, we see a network of empowered programs working together to reduce burnout, address substance use, and promote mental health across the profession.