An initiative of the Dental Board of Australia (the Board), Dental Practitioner Support is a free 24/7 confidential national telephone service providing health support to dental practitioners across Australia. Independent of the Board, the service is administered by Turning Point, a leader in the delivery of telehealth services. Dental practitioners who call the telephone service can talk to experienced counsellors who can help with a wide range of health and wellbeing related issues that may be affecting their practice. Dental Practitioner Support contributes to better health and wellbeing for dental practitioners, and to safer healthcare. The service also provides support to students, educators, employers and concerned family members.
This article first appeared on dpsupport.org.au and is reproduced with their permission.
It's okay to ask for help
Working as a health professional doesn't make you immune to experiencing health issues.
As dental practitioners and students you may experience workplace and/or training demands and pressures that have a direct impact on your physical, emotional, and psychological health and wellbeing. We all need a helping hand sometimes, it's always okay to ask for help.
Some points to remember
No one knows when they might need support but some points to remember are:
- life demands and stressors are often unexpected or unpredictable
- there are times when your stressors will increase in intensity
- seeking support is important and not a reflection of weakness or inexperience
- hesitating to seek support as early as possible may result in your health deteriorating further
- your health concerns can impact directly on those you care about the most, and
- looking after your health, and the health of your patients is what really matters.
If you're a dental practitioners or student, you can discuss any health-related issue and receive confidential advice and referral in return via either phone or email.
Telephone support (1800 377 700)
- confidential and free support
- someone who will understand and listen to your concerns
- someone able to discuss the national, state and local health support that may be available
- strategies to help you achieve your goal, and
- access to interpreter services for those from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Support for deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact Dental Practitioner Support through the National Relay Service. When you have started a session with them, give them the Dental Practitioner Support number 1800 377 700 and they will link you up with the service.
Email support
Do you have some questions but not much time? You can contact Dental Practitioner Support counsellors via email.
Email can be a useful way of gaining information and support with any health-related issues if telephone is not the best way for you to seek support.
In a crisis you should seek other forms of support for a more immediate response. Depending on the nature of the emergency you could call:
Fire, Ambulance or Police 000
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Dental Practitioner Support 1800 377 700
Dental Practitioner Support is here for all dental professionals and students of the professions across Australia. If you are worried about your health and would like to chat to someone, you can call their confidential 24/7 support line on 1800 377 700.
