If you, or someone you know, needs help because of illness, alcohol or drug abuse or as a result of a physical or mental condition help is available. Dentists and allied staff members in South Dakota have access to services from two sources. 

Community Mental Health Centers in South Dakota

SDDA Members can access counseling services through any of the Community Mental Health Centers in the state through a relationship between the SDDA and South Dakota Council of Mental Health Centers  and the South Dakota Council of Substance Abuse Counselors. Community Mental Health Centers are located in communities throughout the state. These centers provide professional outpatient counselling and related services to the general public, as well as specific assistance for the business, legal and health care communities including dentists and allied dental staff. Under an agreement with the Community Mental Health Centers the SDDA will cover the cost of the initial consultation for any member dentist; non-member dentist; and, SDDA allied member who lacks the resources to pay for their care.  

Health Professionals Assistance Program

All licensees of the South Dakota State Board of Dentistry may seek participation in the South Dakota Health Professionals Assistance Program (HPAP). Voluntary self-referrals are accepted. This confidential program is professionally staffed and designed to monitor the treatment and continuing care of regulated health professionals who may be unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety, if their illness of chemical dependency is not appropriately managed. The program provides a non-disciplinary option for participating health licensing boards to deal with impaired regulated health professionals who recognize their illness and the need for continuing care and/or practice limitations. Services include general outreach, crisis intervention, informal assessment, treatment monitoring, and support for providers who need our assistance. In addition to self-referrals, HPAP encourages referrals from families or peers, or referrals from medical or treatment agencies. Calls to HPAP about a colleague are held in the strictest confidence and HPAP can serve as a resource to help determine appropriate next steps.

For additional information contact:
South Dakota Health Professionals Assistance Program 
Tel: (605) 274-4711 Fax: (605) 275-4715
3130 West 57th Street #111
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57108
SD Health Professionals Assistance Program