Substance Use Disorder and Well-Being

NYSDA's Committee on Substance Abuse and Well-Being is here to support and assist you, your family or a colleague who may need help with substance abuse, addiction, and related mental health issues. We are only a confidential phone call away.

1-800-255-2100 ext. 250 or jdonnelly@nysdental.org.

Substance Use Disorder

(Reviewed September 15, 2023)

NYSDA’s Committee on Substance Abuse and Well-Being is comprised of a statewide network of dentist-peers available to assist dentists, their families and dental office staff with substance use disorder, addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

If you know of someone who is having a problem with drugs or alcohol, you have an ethical obligation to notify a Committee member or NYSDA. Your interactions with any member on the Committee or with NYSDA are always confidential and non-punitive. Committee members are experienced and understand the devastation of addiction. They know that effective intervention and appropriate treatment can save a career or, even a life.

Practicing dentistry while impaired can result in a charge of unprofessional conduct and puts a dentist’s license and privilege to practice at risk. We can help a dentist protect his/her license through the New York State Education Department’s Professional Assistance Program (PAP).

Funding through the Dr. Thomas Sullivan Substance Abuse Grant program is available for dentists who may need in-patient treatment but do not have the financial resources to access it. This grant is administered through the New York State Dental Foundation (NYSDF). For more information or to donate, visit the NYSDF website.

If you or a colleague is struggling with substance use or addiction, it is easy to get help. Contact Dr. Bob Herzog, NYSDA Peer Assistance Coordinator at 716-830-3055, or Jacqueline Donnelly at NYSDA, 518-689-2750. Your call is confidential.

Additional Resources:

The New York State Education Department’s <a href="https://www.op.nysed.gov/about/professional-assistance-program">Professional Assistance Program</a> (PAP) assists professionals who have substance use disorder, but have not harmed patients or clients. Such professionals may voluntarily surrender their licenses while receiving treatment rather than face charges of professional misconduct. All applications to the program are confidential. PAP can be reached by calling 518-485-9380 or <a href="mailto:pap@nysed.gov">pap@nysed.gov</a>.

<a href="https://oasas.ny.gov/hopeline">NYS HOPEline </a>

24/7 help with addiction, substance use, and gambling

Call <a href="tel:8778467369">877-846-7369</a> | Text HOPENY (<a href="tel:467369">467369</a>)

<a href="http://www.aa.org/" target="_blank">Alcoholics Anonymous</a>

<a href="http://www.na.org/" target="_blank">Narcotics Anonymous</a>

<a href="https://oasas.ny.gov/">NYS Office of Addiction Services & Supports (OASAS) Resources</a>

<a href="http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/" target="_blank">National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism</a>

<a href="http://www.idaa.org/" target="_blank">Doctor to Doctor: International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous</a>

Mental Health Resources

(Reviewed January 8, 2024)

Mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression often go hand in hand with substance use. With heightened levels of stress and financial struggles, members find themselves overwhelmed. We want you to know that the NYSDA is here to support and assist you, your family or a colleague who may need help. Contact us at 800-255-2100 ext. 250. All calls are confidential.

<h2>Mental Health Resources:</h2>

<a href="https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/practice/ada_postvention_toolkit">After a Suicide: A Guide for Dental Workplaces</a>  After a suicide "postvention" toolkit, developed in 2023 by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the American Dental Association. This resource reflects learnings in responding to a suicide death for professional dental settings.

<a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a> -- 988 or 1-800-273-8255

The American Dental Association offers resources for mental health:

<a href="https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/wellness">Wellness Resources</a>

<a href="https://www.ada.org/resources/careers/ada-accelerator">ADA Accelerator Series, Self Care</a>

<a href="https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness">National Alliance on Mental Illness</a> (NAMI)  Learn about mental illness, warning signs and symptoms. Find a mental health professional by calling 800-950-NAMI or contact their <a href="http://www.crisistextline.org/">Crisis Text Line</a> – Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.

The <a href="https://omh.ny.gov/">NYS Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH)</a> offers many resources for those needing assistance:

<a href="https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/bootstrap/crisis.html">Mental Health Crisis Prevention</a>

<a href="https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/resources/publications/">Mental Health and Wellness Information</a>

<a href="https://my.omh.ny.gov/bi/pd/saw.dll?PortalPages">Find a Mental Health Program</a>

<a href="https://findtreatment.gov/">Finding Treatment for Substance Use or Mental Health Problems</a>: SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. A confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities for substance use/addiction or mental health problems.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL5E2X1Dfaw" target="_blank">Bhagwati J. Mistry, DDS, MDS</a> -- Certified Yoga Instructor

Join Dr. Mistry for Simple Yoga Stretches and Mindfulness Breathing to reduce stress and musculoskeletal problems.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/public-health-workers/index.html">CDC Resources</a>

The CDC has provided a list of resources for healthcare personnel coping with stress.

<a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families">American Psychiatric Association</a>

<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-in-depth" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Health and Human Services</a>

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers coping skills to manage stress burnout.

Substance Use Disorder and Well-Being

Substance Use Disorder

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