During the year, the Health Committee has continued to monitor health impairment amongst dentists, to implement measures to protect the public, and to involve dentists in rehabilitation programmes to enable them to resume safe practice. Dentists suffering some impairment also voluntarily inform the Council.
Substance abuse is the prime factor leading to such reporting.
Two dentists are currently involved in Council rehabilitation schemes. The role of the Health Committee has been re-examined to place increased emphasis on preventive and early intervention strategies to promote dentists' health and well being. A self care pack is being developed in association with the NZDA and will be provided free of charge to all practising dentists. As well as helping identify stress factors and at risk behaviours the pack will encourage dentists to develop time management skills together with an understanding of manageable working schedules to ensure they have reasonable personal and non-clinical time. Notification The Council again reminds every dentist who is concerned about a colleague to take steps to ensure that necessary assistance is offered and treatment is instituted well before the situation deteriorates to the point where the public may be at risk, or where the dentist's professional career is jeopardised.