FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the warning signs?

• Changes in appearance/poor hygiene
• Frequent shaking and/or sweating
• Loss of appetite/weight loss
• Slurred speech
• Mood swings, change in temper, irritability
• Frequent absences / “call ins”
• Increased errors in prescription filling or compounding
• increased patient or employee complaints

Who can call the WVDRN?

Any Dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, supervisor, family member or friend can call the WVDRN. All information is strictly confidential.

Why is impairment so prevalent
in the Dental profession?

• Dental personnel often have exhaustive stressors placed on them to meet employer’s and patient’s demands.
• Easy access/DEA number provides a major role in drug abuse.
• Dental professionals believe that they are in control and addiction cannot happen to them.
• Dental professionals believe they are too smart to get caught.
• Dental professionals are too close and lose objectivity.
• Often times the dental professional is the owner of the business, with all staff there dependent upon the practice to continue for their livelihoods. This creates an environment where enabling by staff can occur, as well as isolation for the impaired dentist.