Dentists Support Program and Dentists Relief Program

Dentists Relief Program

The Relief Program offers financial assistance to dentists experiencing financial hardship or natural disaster. Disabled dentists and their families may be assisted through this program, as well as spouses and dependents of deceased dentists. Administered in conjunction with the ADA Relief Fund and with oversight by the ISDS Foundation, the primary purpose is to provide aid of an emergency and temporary nature to dentists. When circumstances demonstrate unusual need, dependents of dentists can benefit. Relief grants are discretionary and are awarded by the ADA/ISDS Foundation. Contact Jay Landers at jlanders@isds.org or 800-475-4737 for more information.

Dentists Support Program

Call ISDS Dentists Support Program toll free at 800/475-4737. You may download the Dentists Support Program brochure by clicking here. Read the 2012 June/July IL Dental News article about the Dentists Support program by downloading it here.

Dr. Bob Stone, Dr. Bill Hamel and Dr. Mark Storer “have been there”. They’re willing to talk to groups and can be contacted directly regarding issues of substance abuse. In 2012, Dr. Hamel has spoken to the ISDS Capital Conference in April, the SIU-SDM “Lunch & Learn” with students on September 10, and is scheduled to speak to the Will County Dental Society this Fall. Dr. Mark Storer presented a 3-hour CE on the subject at the Midwinter Meeting in February, 2012, in Chicago, and he’s scheduled to give a program to the Madison District Dental Society in November. Please feel free to contact these colleagues directly to schedule a presentation on behalf of the Dentists Support Program. Their contact information is in the article that can be downloaded here from the June/July, 2012, issue of the “IL Dental News”.

The program provides confidential education, insight and access to professional assistance. Is it time for you to seek help? Call 800/475-4737.

  • Do you experience mood swings, become easily depressed, angry, or abusive?
  • Has anyone become disturbed because of your behavior while you are drinking or using drugs?
  • Have you ever tried to cut down on your drinking or drug use?
  • Has anyone become annoyed about your drinking/drug use? (Prescription or illicit)
  • Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking/drug use or related behaviors?
  • Are you experiencing financial or legal problems, malpractice suit, or divorce, because of your drinking or drug use?
  • Have you been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs?

If you feel that you or a fellow member of the dental profession needs assistance, please call for help. We will carefully and confidentially guide you or your colleague through the steps to wellness.

Does Someone You Love Need Help?
Oftentimes it is the families, colleagues, and friends who first notice something is wrong and are in a position to help. Be aware of the signs of alcohol and substance abuse.

  • Disruption of the appointment schedule.
  • Hostile, withdrawn, or unreasonable behavior toward patients and staff.
  • Excessive ordering of drug supplies by mail or from local pharmacies.
  • Patient complaints regarding dentist’s behavior.
  • Unexplained absence from office or absence due to frequent illness.Inappropriate orders, prescriptions, or treatments.
  • Deterioration in appearance and dress habits.
  • Wearing long sleeves in warm weather.
  • Frequent or unusual accidents.
  • Isolated/withdrawn from community, dental society, and social activities.
  • Embarrasing behaviors at private clubs, parties or other social events.
  • Unpredictable or compulsive behavior.
  • Arrests for driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, etc.

The volunteers of the ISDS Dentists Support Program are dedicated to seeing that every dentist who needs and wants help receives it. Moreover, they are committed to ensuring the highest level of confidentiality. Even committee members are not made aware of a participating dentist’s name.

When a call is made to the program, the facts and circumstances are carefully evaluated before any action is taken. Initial information is confirmed, and if it is determined that assistance is needed, the dentist is asked to visit an evaluation center for appropriate assessment services and probable treatment.