CDP is a legislatively mandated program whose mission is to identify and assist licensed dental professionals who are experiencing the consequences of chemical dependency and/or psychiatric disorders. The program provides confidential peer support and professional assistance through assessment, treatment, recovery, and monitoring activities. Clients who follow the CDP guidelines and protocols may be able to retain their professional licenses. CDP operating expenses are funded through a portion of dentist and dental hygienist license renewal fees. All treatment and monitoring expenses are the responsibility of the client.

Three dental hygienists currently serve on the CDP Board of Directors, and any of them would be happy to speak with your group about the Caring Dental Professionals program. For further information please consult the CDP website at http://www.nccaringdental.com/ or contact one of the following hygienists:

A bi-annual Caring Dental Professionals Board of Directors meeting was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Myrtle Beach on Friday, May 17, 2008.  Lynn Hurley and Debbie Lefevers represented the North Carolina Dental Hygiene Association at the meeting. 

Budgetary concerns consumed a major portion of the meeting. Executive Director Margie Graves reported that an additional position needs to be funded for a clinical coordinator to help with the clinical management of the participants in the program.  Candidates are requiring a salary of up to $80,000 per year.  Last fall’s budget discussions only entertained a maximum salary of $55,000.   Program Monitoring fees have been suspended for the past year, which has cost the program approximately $40,000 in income.  Legal fees have been higher than expected.  In order to handle these increased expenses, the CDP Board voted to seek a NCSBDE rules change to increase the CDP yearly fees by $5.00 per hygienist and $10.00 per dentist.  (When the hearing is scheduled, you may register your written or oral testimony in support or in opposition to this fee increase.)  In addition to the increase in license fees, the Board voted to reinstate the monitoring fees for voluntary program participants.  The intent of these fees is to help the participants take ownership of their care, in addition to offsetting monitoring fee expenses.

The Statistical Report for 1/1/08-4/30/08 shows that there are currently 61 CDP participants, with 48 active contracts, 7 program graduates, 4 discharged non-compliant, 13 advocacy clients, and 7 new clients. (5 new dentist clients and 2 new hygienist clients) 

The next CDP fall educational conference and fundraising golf tournament will be held in Charlotte at Ballantyne Resort on Sept. 26-28.  This event is open to all dentists and staff members.  Clinical credit hours have been approved for 9 hours by the NCSBDE, with 20 hours of CEU approved by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Licensing Board and the North Carolina Dental Society. 

CDP has introduced a new brochure targeting impaired dental hygienists.  Call the help line at 800-230-3934 for more information.