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The CDA Well-Being Program

It is estimated that 1 out of every 10 dentists will suffer from alcohol or drug abuse at some time in their life.

Concerned that someone you know or maybe even yourself may have an alcohol or chemical dependency problem?  Support is available through the CDA Well-Being program.

Organized dentistry’s concern about the effects of drug and alcohol impairment on professionals, their families and patients was the impetus behind the development of the Well-Being Program. The program serves as a resource to the dental community in identifying and assisting individuals who may be in need of care. If left untreated, drug and alcohol dependency can ruin the lives, careers and health of dental professionals as well as compromise the safety of their patients.

Understanding addiction helps strengthen the network of support for dental professional struggling with the disease. CDA has offered assistance for dental professionals through Well-Being committees since 1982. The committees are composed of volunteer members, dental society staff, allied dental health professionals and/or recovering dentists with similar experiences. These individuals help impaired dentists, their family, and staff member locate facilities for evaluation and treatment of drug and alcohol addiction.

The Well-Being committee members are committed to ensuring the health of those affected by providing assistance, referrals and follow-up support. The program assists the dentist and allied dental health professionals, and provides support to the family members of those impaired.

The Well-Being process is completely confidential for any individual or other concerned party contacting the committee for information and/or assistance.

Signs of alcoholism and chemical dependency:

• Frequently late or fails to show up for work
• Difficulty meeting scheduled appointments and/or deadlines
• Impaired motor coordination
• Prescribes large doses of controlled substances
• Frequent and prolonged bathroom breaks
• Obvious physical changes; lack of attention to hygiene/appearance
• Dramatic mood swings
• Periods of isolation
• Unexplained family and/or financial difficulties
• Decline in quality of care; exercise poor judgment

For more information regarding the Well-Being Program or for a confidential referral, please contact:   Donald Fowkes, DDS, NCDS Well-Being Chairman

Cell: (530) 864-4264 Work (530) 893-0750  Northern California (530) 310.2395