Mental Wellness is the New Focus for Many Associations

By FDA President Dr. Jeff Ottley

Wellness has become the new focus of many associations across the globe since the COVID-19 pandemic. For the medical profession, mental wellness, for years, was a side discussion. We whispered about it or swept to the side and muscled through the tough times. Once burnout, anxiety and mental distress became commonplace during the Pandemic, a more intentional focus and attention to the damage caused shined a light on the reality. Imagine if mental wellness had been given the same publicity as physical wellness. What if we had a multi-billion-dollar industry for mental wellness, 10-minute abs for mental wellness, or the P90x for mental health? How many lives could have been saved from severe depression, overwhelming anxiety, uncontrollable sadness and yes, suicide? Recent surveys by the American Dental Association (ADA) show that dentists reporting being diagnosed with anxiety have tripled in the last 20 years and that 50% of dentists were personally aware of a dentist who died by suicide.

Well, associations are no longer standing on the sidelines of mental health. Many, like the Florida Dental Association (FDA), are creating programs for members to seek advice and help when needed. Expanding websites to include easy-to-find resources and creating content through podcasts, webinars and continuing education courses are ways the ADA and the FDA work to create healthy dentist members. Our association is looking for ways to reduce the stigma of mental illness and asking for help when one needs it. Partnering with wellness organizations that create pathways of anonymity for professionals seeking help is one way to reduce the stress and anxiety of self-reporting because of fear of losing one’s license to practice dentistry.

Another avenue the FDA is taking is making a member assistance program (MAP) available to its members and families starting in January of 2025. This program will allow for four free visits annually with mental health specialists, financial specialists and many other areas to help reduce the stress and anxiety of life. Often, these MAPs can be the bridge to care for some who need more counseling and education. An important take-home message is this: we likely know someone who is struggling with anxiety, burnout and or a mental illness that needs help. Let us be the voice that reaches out to them, stops the downward spiral and assists in lifting the clouds of despair. Together for each other!