Dental professionals may experience stress, burnout, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, or other mental health challenges during their careers. Seeking help early can make a meaningful difference for both personal well-being and professional success.
A Dentist Health Program is a confidential resource designed to help dental professionals access appropriate support and appropriate resources. Depending on the state, services may include:
Some programs serve only dentists, while others support dental hygienists, assistants, students, or additional members of the dental team.
Dentist Health Programs are often associated only with severe substance use disorders or disciplinary matters. In reality, many programs help individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including:
Reaching out early often provides more options than waiting until a problem becomes a crisis.
Confidentiality varies by state and by the circumstances involved. Each Dentist Health Program operates under its own policies and applicable state laws.
If confidentiality is important to you—and for many people it is—ask about the program's confidentiality policies during your initial conversation. Program staff can explain how information is handled and answer questions before you decide how to proceed.
Dentist Health Programs differ across the United States. Some are operated by state dental societies. Others are independent nonprofit organizations or work in collaboration with licensing boards, physician health programs, universities, or other partners. Services, eligibility, and referral pathways also vary from state to state. If you have questions about how a program operates, contact the program directly. Staff can explain the services available in your state.
NCDHP has provided the American Dental Association's directory of state dental societies to help visitors locate Dentist Health Programs and other well-being resources available in their state.
Information on this page is intended for general educational purposes. Because Dentist Health Programs vary by state, visitors should contact their state program directly with questions about services, eligibility, or confidentiality.
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