The Essex Local Dental Committee
Support for Dentists in Difficulty
The Essex LDC wishes to support colleagues who are struggling for professional or health reasons where possible. The following schemes have been set up to help Dentists in need of support.
PASS (Professional Advice and Support Scheme)
Life is seldom easy and at times there seems to be a convergence of circumstances designed to make things harder. Dentists in the Essex LDC area have access to the PASS scheme. Local colleagues who have been trained can help you work problems out. This is non-judgmental and confidential, the emphasis is on support and if you would rather speak to a colleague from outside of the area this can be arranged through our reciprocal arrangenments. If you need help, or know a colleague who is struggling, please make contact.
The Dentists' Health Support Programme
The Essex LDC had made a £5000.00 donation to the Dentists' Health Support Programme. Formerly known as the Sick Dentist Scheme, this helps dentists working in general dental practice who are in need of, but not seeking medical attention. A majority, but not all, cases are alcohol / drug related. The Support Program, which can be accessed by calling the confidential help-line number below. It can be used by any dentist who may be abusing a substance or by someone (a colleague, ancillary staff, family member or a friend) who is concerned about a dentist who may be abusing a substance. The caller will be put in contact with a Local Supporter in the appropriate geographical area or with the Co-ordinator of the Program. Local Supporters are usually retired or semi-retired dentists, who are trained and willing to make time to help colleagues. The Local Supporter will contact a Special Referee and help establish whether the dentist needs help. Special Referees are dentists who have recovered from alcohol / drug addiction. They have all received specialist training for this role. The Program is funded by a Trust which raises money from within the profession to finance training and susport for the Special Referees, who provide the help to dentists. Local Supporters are trained and re-trained from a central budget, although Local Dental Committees usually pay for associated travel costs. In addition, LDCs usually meet the travelling and subsistence costs of Local Supporters directly involved in case work. If you know of a dentist who might be helped by the Dentists' Health Support Programme, please call the following confidential number, which is also widely advertised in the dental press: (020) 7224 4671
There is also the British Doctors and Dentists Group BDDG Chelmsford and for other family members struggling to cope with an alcoholic doctor or dentist BDDG Families.
Confidental Helpline
Our purpose is to provide emotional first aid for dentists in distress. We can allow you to offload and talk through your issues in complete confidence; we will then offer you signposting to further useful organisations if appropriate.
Sometimes all we are needed to do is listen!
How Confidental works...
When you call Confidental you will be greeted by a short automated message. The call is then directed to one of the Confidental listeners (all practicing or retired dentists) who will listen to you and help to empower you to come to your own solution or signpost you to a relevant organisation who may be able to offer you further advice.
As Confidental is run entirely by volunteers they will be unable to catch every call.
In the event that they aren’t able to answer your call you will hear a second message which will ask you to try again and will also give details for the Samaritans.
The number to dial is 0333 987 5158. or for more information, head to their home page: https://www.confidental-helpline.org/.
BDA Benevolent Fund
The BDA Benevolent Fund proactively supports the financial and emotional needs of dental students, dentists (including asylum seekers and refugee dentists), and their families. Free financial aid is available for those struggling to meet everyday essentials such as rent or mortgage payments, bills, food, and travel due to accident or illness, debt, or issues with work. Funding is also available for those looking to join or return to the GDC register as a dentist.
We also provide wellbeing assistance, including through the Wellbeing Support for the Dental Team resource — a comprehensive guide signposting free, confidential help available across the UK. You can access it at www.supportfordentalteams.org.
The charity is independent of the British Dental Association (BDA) and is funded by contributions from individuals, Local Dental Committees (LDCs), and companies linked to the dental profession.
You do not need to be a BDA member to apply for assistance.
To learn more visit www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk or by calling 020 7486 4994 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 5:30pm).
