ADA seeks volunteers for Dental Team Wellness Advisory Committee

Group advises on issues related to health of dentists, teams

The ADA Council on Dental Practice is seeking applicants to serve on its Dental Team Wellness Advisory Committee.

The committee advises the council on issues related to the health and wellness of dentists and dental team members. Its members meet virtually each quarter and serve three-year terms.

Specifically, the committee is charged with:

• Advising the council on dentist well-being, chemical dependency support issues and prescription drug misuse concerns.

• Supporting the council’s interagency activities related to health and wellness, well-being, mental health, burnout, disability and ergonomics.

• Identifying and promoting health and wellness, well-being and ergonomics in the dental workplace.

New dentists, specialists, dental school faculty, dental students, dental professionals practicing in emerging practice models, those working in industry, and health and well-being researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.

“We are looking for member dentists who want to make positive change. Mental health, burnout, chronic pain and high levels of stress make us more susceptible to leaving a great profession and twice as likely to die by suicide,” said Margaret S. Gingrich, D.D.S., chair of the Dental Team Wellness Advisory Committee and member of the Council on Dental Practice. “The landscape of practicing dentistry has changed significantly over the years. We no longer go into our office to just practice dentistry; we now have to worry about staffing — or lack thereof — reimbursement rates, patient attitudes, high debt and a host of other nonclinical issues that cause many of us to suffer. This committee is designed to help give resources to members and their staff to help them be successful and enjoy the journey.”

Those interested should email their curriculum vitae or resume and a brief letter of interest to dentalpractice@ada.org by Aug. 20.