Wellness Resources
IADAPT: Iowa Dental Advocacy for Professional and Personal Thriving. Coming Soon!!
Program begins January 1, 2025.
IDA is pleased to introduce and offer the Iowa Dental Advocacy for Professional and Personal Thriving (IADAPT) program for Iowa dentists. Visit the IADAPT page for full program details.
Iowa Case Study ADA Toolkit: Removing Stigmatizing Mental Health Questions From Dental Licensure Applications
As part of the dental stakeholders workgroup, the IDA worked with the Iowa Dental Board to eliminate stigmatizing language on dentists' initial and renewal license applications. These efforts are being promoted by the ADA through an Iowa case study ADA toolkit in an effort to bring similar changes to other states.
Read more about this important initiative at ADA News.
Resource Toolkit: Reducing Barriers to Care for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
IDA Leadership is committed making the mental health of our members a top priority: “The Iowa Dental Association is dedicated to meeting the needs of our member dentists. We understand that the practice of dentistry can be extremely rewarding, but it also comes with a variety of challenges, including feelings of isolation, overwhelming responsibilities, and perfectionism. Dentists do not need to face these struggles alone, which is why we have dedicated time and resources to finding supportive solutions to mental health challenges.”
– Dr. Chris Bogue, IDA President
IDA Member Spotlight: Dr. Jarod Johnson
Dr. Johnson was featured on the ADA New Dentist Blog in an article, "How the Well-Being Index has helped my mental health"
Well-Being Index from Mayo Clinic now available for ADA members.
ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler Prioritizes Wellness
ADA President Brett Kessler, DDS., was specific in his priorities for his presidency when he addressed the House of Delegates October 22 in New Orleans. “As dentists, our responsibility goes beyond caring for our patients. We need to care for each other and, most importantly, we need to take care of ourselves,” Dr. Kessler said.
Read full article here.
2024 ADA Trend Report
Stress is a main theme in this report. 82% of dentists who responded to the survey report feeling major stress in at least one of the following areas: Insurance Reimbursement, Workforce Shortage, Patient Attitude, Patient Drug Use.
Make it OK Movement - Iowa Healthiest State Initiative
Healthiest State Initiative 2022 Annual Report
There are number of ways for you to be a part of the movement to Make It OK, including but not limited to:
- Sign the Pledge to Make It OK
- Register your workplace
- Become a Make It OK Ambassador
- Check out Make It OK events including presentations and trainings
- Learn about the Back the Black campaign
- Share the stories of courage and resources within your network
- Donate to support the work of Make It OK
- Share your story of courage
Participate in Mental Health Awareness Month during the month of May.
Ergonomics Resources to Help Reduce Practice-Related Pain
Practicing dentistry can sometimes be a pain -- literally! Take care of yourself and learn some helpful tips and stretches with these video resources from dental ergonomics expert Dr. Bethany Valachi.
- Webinar: 5 Steps to Practicing Dentistry Pain Free: Evidence-based Strategies for a Long & Healthy Career
- Video (26 min): Minding Your Body: Ergonomics Support for Dentists and Teams
- Video (4 min): Wellbody Morning Huddle
- Video (4 min): 5 Steps to Practicing Pain Free – An Introduction
Find more resources at ADA.org/wellness.
Unwind with a Guided Meditation from ClassPass
Slow down and breathe with this guided meditation brought to you by ADA Member Advantage and ClassPass. ADA members can join ClassPass to access thousands of top-rated gyms, fitness studios, salons, and spas. Not only do members get free, unlimited access to the more than 20,000 on-demand audio and video workouts, but they also receive a 15% discount on credit packages that can be applied to in-person classes at top studios and gyms across the country. Plus, credits can be used for wellness experiences including massages, facials, manicures and more! To get started, visit ADA.org/ClassPass and sign up using "Company Code," ADACP.
Additional Resources
Employee & Family Resources: EFR supports communities, workplaces, and schools with comprehensive behavioral health services. They provide guidance and care at every step - from substance abuse prevention and early intervention to outpatient mental health treatment. Life Happens. We're here to help.
The U.S. Surgeon General's Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being: Workplaces CAN be engines of mental health and well being!
The World Health Organization's guidelines on mental health at work.