Support for dental practitioners is here!

06 Jul 2020

Need to talk to someone? Dental Practitioner Support, a national health and wellbeing support service for dental practitioners, is ready to take your call.

Dental Practitioner Support is the first national 24/7 telephone and online service for all dental practitioners. Anyone calling the service does not have to give their name and can seek support anonymously.

Callers will have access to an experienced team who can provide confidential advice and referral on a wide range of issues, including mental and physical health and general wellbeing.

Access Dental Practitioner Support:

• 1800 377 700
• dpsupport.org.au

The service offers support to all dental practitioners, which includes dentists, dental prosthetists, oral health therapists, dental hygienists and dental therapists. It is also available to dental students, educators, employers, Australian Dental Council exam candidates and concerned family members.

While funded by the Dental Board of Australia, the service is being run independently by Turning Point so dental practitioners can have complete confidence in reaching out for confidential support. Turning Point is a leading addiction treatment, research and education organisation based in Victoria.

Board Chair, Dr Murray Thomas, said the service was about reminding dental practitioners that their own health matters.

‘This service aims to destigmatise a dental practitioner calling to get support to help deal with their feelings about any stress and pressure they may be experiencing, and to give them confidence that there is support out there that’s specific to their needs.

‘We want dental practitioners anywhere in Australia, whether they are based in a city or in a rural or remote location, to be able to access health and wellbeing support if needed, especially during this unprecedented time.'

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated practice restrictions affecting all registered dental practitioners resulted in the service’s start date being brought forward.

More information about accessing support is on the Dental Practitioner Support website.

For more information

• dpsupport.org.au
• 29 June news item
• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 9285 3010 (overseas callers)