Several states have removed stigmatizing mental health questions from their dental licensure applications.
Eight notes:
1. The American Dental Association's House of Delegates passed a resolution in 2023 to assist states in developing regulations that prevent discrimination against dentists who have received counseling or treatment for mental health issues, including substance misuse.
2. Texas, Virginia, Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon, North Dakota, Florida, New Jersey and Wisconsin have all either achieved licensure reform or are in the process of making such changes, according to an Oct. 9 news release.
3. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners was the first state board of dentistry to be recognized by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation as a Wellbeing First Champion after removing mental health questions from its credentialing applications.
4. Instead of asking about past mental health treatments, states have adopted new language to address current impairments and have also listed resources for dental providers to seek help if needed.
5. States have also added language in applications stating that dentists who fail to address health conditions that may impair their ability to standards of care could be subject to board review or disciplinary action.
6. Some state dental boards have also begun working with medical boards on licensure reform.
7. Florida, New Jersey and Wisconsin are participating in an ADA pilot program to audit dental licensure applications. The ADA and the state's dental associations have met with the American Medical Association to identify language in dental licensure applications that could be considered stigmatizing.
8. The state dental associations participating in the ADA's pilot program are reviewing the AMA's recommendations and will determine next steps to approach the state dental boards.