Sources of support

Whether you've been practising for years or just starting out, dento-legal issues can be stressful.

As well as assistance from the DDU when it comes to dealing with a complaint, investigation or a claim, there are a number of resources and organisations available to help you look after yourself, whether you’re dealing with mental, physical, work or financial pressures.

Contact an adviser

Peer Support Network

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Peer Support Network

DDU members who need support through a GDC case, claim or some other investigation process can access our peer support network.

We can put you in touch with fellow members who have been through a similar experience. The network aims to help members put things into perspective.

To access this network, please speak to the dento-legal adviser dealing with your case.

Read one member's experience

Health and wellbeing e-learning

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Health and wellbeing e-learning

Working in dentistry is busy, and the nature of the work can be emotionally demanding.

As much care as you take in looking after your patients, it's important to look after yourself too, but sometimes the balance can tip in the wrong direction. If left unchecked, stress and anxiety can build up and impact your health or your ability to deliver safe care.

Our free course will help you link your existing knowledge with your own wellbeing, and give you the confidence to take the first steps in ensuring your colleagues' wellbeing too.

Look after your learning with our free course

Support for students

At every dental school there will be plenty of friendly and supportive people around you ready to talk or lend a hand. Other experienced students on your course can share useful practical tips and reassurance. If it's not something you feel able to discuss with your peers, you can also make an appointment with your personal tutor if you have one or contact Student Services at your university.

Outside dental school, it's important to register with a GP if you're living away from home, especially if you think your health is beginning to affect your performance. And while you might be getting used to life away from home, it's still a good idea to keep in touch with those who know you best.

Student members can always contact the DDU for support at any time. Simply email our advisory team and quote your membership number. See resources below, and check out further advice in our student hub.

Employee health and wellbeing helpline

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Employee health and wellbeing helpline

As dedicated as you are to looking after your patients - it's also important to look after yourself.

As well as supporting members with a complaint or a claim, we also offer access to a 24-hour confidential employee wellbeing helpline, where individuals can speak to trained advisers and mental health nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

This helpline is available to our Groupcare practices (with all dentists as DDU members) and our corporate members and their staff.

Contact your DDU liaison manager for more info

Other sources of support

Resources

Dentists' Health Support Trust

A charity run by dentists, for dentists, working for colleagues with mental health concerns and addiction issues.

Local dental committee (LDC)

If you're concerned about your performance, you could consider seeking help from your LDC. Some of these operate a practitioner advice and support scheme (PASS), which practitioners can approach for free and confidential support.

British Doctors and Dentists group

A recovery group for doctors and dentists addicted to alcohol and/or drugs.

ConfiDential

A volunteer-run helpline offering emotional first aid for dentists in distress.

Wellbeing Support for the Dental Team

Wellbeing Support for the Dental Team has been created for all dental team members, including students and non-clinical roles.

It outlines how to assess your own mental health and wellbeing and provides resources for self-care, including the range of organisations available to support you.

NHS Practitioner Health Programme

A free confidential NHS primary care mental health and addiction service with expertise in treating health and care professionals.

NHS Practitioner Health Programme in Wales

HHP Wales offers a free, confidential service that provides you with access to various levels of support. It offers self-help, guided self-help, peer support and virtual face-to-face therapies with accredited specialists.

Sources of help for dental care professionals

British Association of Dental Nurses

The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy

British Association of Dental Therapists

British Association of Clinical Dental Technology

British Association of Dental Nurses

British Association of Dental Therapists

British Orthodontic Society

British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy

Dental Technologists Association

Othodontic National Group

Orthodontic Therapist Society

Society of British Dental Nurses

 

National organisations available for everyone

Samaritans

A charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. Open 24 hours a day. 

Scotland: National Wellbeing Hub

General resource for all healthcare workers. 

SAMH for Scotland's mental health

Coronavirus mental health information hub. 

Narcotics anonymous

A non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs have become a major problem.

Cocaine Anonymous

A fellowship of recovering addicts who maintain their individual sobriety by working with others.

Alcoholics Anonymous

A fellowship concerned with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who turn to the fellowship for help.

Guidance and advice

News

Being a menopause friendly employer

It's important to have a practice policy that sets out support for staff.
Journal

ConfiDental: a listening service for colleagues in need

If you're going through a tough time, it helps to talk to someone who understands. Sadly, many dental professionals bottle things up until they hit crisis point – but there is another way.
Journal

Supporting colleagues in general dental practice

Loneliness and isolation in general practice can be a real issue, especially for newer colleagues - but help is often at hand.
See more health and wellbeing resources from the DDU