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:
FROM THE DESK OF CDP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARGARET GRAVES:
CHANGE – A WAY OF ‘LETTING
GO’
By Margaret Graves,
MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Executive Director
Recovery as a way of life has
offered me many challenges and changes. What
at times appeared to be a loss, has often been an opportunity to try something
new. If I think of some of the changes
and losses I’ve faced in my life, I’m reminded of the statement "It is
never too late to be what you might have been"—George Elliott.
As the Director of the NC Caring
Dental Professionals, I listen to many stories of impaired Dental Professionals. The common thread I hear when talking to
Dentists and Hygienists going to treatment is fear…fear of the unknown…fear of failure…"How
can I keep my practice going? How will I
pay my rent? Who will take care of my children?"
are just a few of the fears I hear expressed.
"These road blocks can all be worked out”, I reply.
The other emotion that I don’t
hear, but am clinically aware of is “shame”.
Addiction is an illness. Yet,
society and the addicted individual and their family feel “shame” over the
alcoholism or drug addiction. I always ask “would you be ashamed if you had
cancer, a heart condition, diabetes?" Of course, the response is “no, but this is
different.” Actually, it is different…because
in recovery there is a way to recover, maintain abstinence from the alcohol and
drugs, and have a full and happy life.
Easy, no, possible, yes—One day at a time.
This Holiday Season, my hope for
you is that you will take the time to reflect on your life. Are you where you want to be emotionally,
physically, spiritually? Are your
relationships going well? If not, then
why not? Please take a few minutes and
answer the questions below.
How Do I Know if I Have a Problem?
WARNING SIGNS
·
Increased difficulty at home – conflicts, absences
– Disappearances, Disappointments and Discrepancies – Marital problems
·
Wide mood swings – anger, depression,
nervousness
·
Significant emotional and behavioral changes –
family and friends concerned about behavior
·
Unexplained absenteeism at work – isolates and
withdraws from community and colleagues – Missing Mondays
·
Frequent illness – need for medication – over
prescribing
·
Alterations in lifestyle to accommodate chemical
use – lies about use – minimizing use & consequences – social isolation
·
Decreased career satisfaction
·
Legal and financial problems – DUI’s, drug
diversion, lawsuits, debts, etc.
·
Continued use of chemicals with elaborate
justification for need
·
Mood Swings, Personality Changes—Jekyll &
Hyde Syndrome
·
Problems at office with staff and patient
complaints
If you have answered “yes” to two
or more of these questions, you need help!
Give yourself a gift…..give your family, friends and co-workers a gift….call the NC Caring Dental
Professionals, and face the challenge of effecting a change in your life.
Call Today…and remember WE CARE!
North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals
CALL 800-230-3934