addiction treatment for dentistsThe Program for Recovering Dental Professionals (PRDP) is a confidential, non-coercive, and non-punitive program. It is an excellent alternative to formal disciplinary action that the Idaho State Board of Dentistry has approved. The PRDP is a program to facilitate prevention, identification, intervention, and rehabilitation for Idaho dentists and dental hygienists in recovery. These individuals are suffering from chemical abuse or dependency, mental health issues, or behavioral problems. Each of these conditions can lead to functional impairment, so it is critical to seek treatment. 

The PRDP works in a manner consistent with the laws and medical practice acts of the State of Idaho to provide a safe environment in a medical setting. Furthermore, it works in conjunction with the Idaho Dental Association and the Idaho Dental Hygienists’ Association. To learn more about our recovery programs, reach out to Southworth Associates today at (866) 460-9014. 

The Purpose of the Program for Recovering Dental Professionals

The program’s purpose is to assist professionals and their families in identifying alcohol, drug, or behavioral problems that pose a potential threat to that dentist or dental hygienist. These conditions can also affect the person’s family and their patients. The PRDP will work to identify and facilitate acute addiction treatment and to provide long-term support for the professional to return to a productive place within his/her dental profession. While the program provides no direct counseling, treatment, or aftercare services, it does support the development of self-help groups at the local level.

Why Does the Program for Recovering Dental Professionals Exist?

The PRDP is a resource for Dentists/Dental Hygienists, their families, colleagues, and other affiliates. Disciplinary action does little to intervene in the disease process and may frequently be counterproductive to the identification and professional reintegration. This recovery method has proven to be effective for both the individual and society. By providing Dentists/Dental Hygienists an opportunity to enter into treatment and to recover from their diseases early in the disease process, the PRDP can serve to minimize negative impacts on these professionals, their patients, and their families and friends.

The PRDP offers a range of services to ensure the long-term recovery of the dentist or dental hygienist, including:

  • Confidential Consultation
  • Interventions
  • Assessment
  • Referrals
  • Recovery Monitoring – The PRDP program monitors participants while in treatment and recovery.
  • Relapse Management
  • Education and Research
  • Consulting resource for Idaho Hospitals, medical staff, and organizations
  • Support Resource
  • Advocacy – The PRDP advocates for the right to continue working when there is documentation of abstinence and recovery from chemical dependency.

Our Treatment Tracks

Southworth Associates offers two unique treatment tracks to ensure that your loved one can get the support they need. Our first track is the self-referral track. In this case, the impaired dentist or dental hygienist does not have official Stipulations and Orders as drafted by the Idaho State Board of Dentistry. However, they may be referred to the PRDP program in person or by a family member, colleague, friend, or employer.

Alternatively, they may use the Board of Dentistry referral track. In this situation, The Idaho State Board of Dentistry will draft a formal Stipulations and Orders for the impaired dentist. Part of the Stipulations and Orders will include a requirement to be under contract and maintain compliance with the PRDP Program.

Reach Out to Southworth Associates

When you’re in recovery, staying sober can be challenging. Fortunately, with the help of a support network such as Southworth Associates, it is possible. We offer several unique services to help you or your loved one stay sober, including:

To learn more about how our treatment programs can help you stay sober after addiction treatment, reach out to Southworth Associates today at (866) 460-9014.