For many years dentists have been coming together in an organized way to help each other with personal problems. It started with recovering dentists, and others with a sympathetic understanding of the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction, working to put a system in place to reach out to those who were still suffering. Peer assistance is just what it sounds like, one colleague, spouse or family member being available to assist another with a particular need. Over the years, helping hands have also been extended to dental professionals with depression or other mental health disorders; those whose edges are frayed from chronic stress or burnout.
Visit ADA.org/Wellness for additional resources.