We are pleased to announce that the SDDA will offer three free and confidential counseling/coaching sessions per person this year!
Each dentist and team member across the state has access to this service.
Due to the demand and utilization of services last year, we are enhancing the benefit this year from 1 to 3 sessions.
These sessions can be used to build a strategy for work or home.
Others have used these sessions for:
  • Parenting
  • Burnout
  • Conflicts at work
  • Decision making
  • Purpose and meaning in work
  • Retirement planning
We continue to partner with Mary Wolf on developing a culture of wellbeing and providing these individual sessions.

"What a great idea from the Dental association to offer help to those in need in our profession. Dentistry is challenging enough before covid and it became much more difficult because of it. I am so grateful I took advantage of the three free visits. It was tremendously helpful and I am following thru on all of the great guidance I received. I am nearing the end of my career and I have had some tough decisions to make. Mary with Veritee Partners was perfect for my needs." - SD Dentist

Host a Wellbeing In-Service for the Office

The South Dakota Dental Association continues to support wellbeing in multiple ways.  In partnering with Mary Wolf, dental offices have hired Mary to present on:

  • Wellbeing Strategies and Discussion
  • Building a Culture of Wellbeing
  • Updates from the SDDA’s “Be Well” Program
  • Overview of the free and confidential assessments offered by the association. The assessments help to sort out complex situations, determine next steps, and offer recommendations and referrals.

By meeting Mary at a Wellness Workshop, staff feel more trust in reaching out for assistance and know the process if they need help.  A typical workshop lasts an hour and costs approximately $300.  Depending on office location there could be an added charge for travel. Please reach out to Mary if you are interested in hiring her to present at your clinic.

Here is one clinic’s experience:
“Our goal in bringing Mary Wolf into our office to have the staff meet her face to face was to introduce them to the wellness initiative that the South Dakota Dental Association has taken on. We wanted them to have a face associated with the name that they have been given as a resource. Our goals were met 100 percent! Mary's presentation introduced some broad concepts of wellness and mental health, as well as gave us tactical, practical advice to make each day a little better. It was an hour very well spent. Our team members are our practices greatest assets, investing this one hour on their wellness and mental health was a privilege and an honor to provide them.” 
Dr. Jaclyn Schuler and Dr. Samantha Kappenman – Dakota Dental

Tips to Manage Anxiety

Take a Time-Out: Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.

Eat Well-balanced Meals: Do not skip meals. Keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: They can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

Get Enough Sleep: When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.

Exercise Daily: This helps you feel good and maintains your health.

Take Deep Breaths: Inhale and exhale slowly. Take a break and focus on breathing for 5 minutes.

Count to 10 Slowly: Repeat, count to 20 if necessary.

Do Your Best: Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on excellence and doing your best work.

Accept that you cannot Control Everything: Put stress in perspective, what can you influence instead.

Welcome Humor: A good laugh goes a long way.

Maintain a Positive Attitude: Focus on what went well in your day instead of the negative events.

Get Involved: Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.

Learn what Triggers Anxiety: Is it work, family, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you're feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.

Talk to Someone: Tell friends and family you're feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for help.

*From the Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Wellbeing Resources

Mental Health Assessments available HERE.

McKinsey and Company offers an excellent collection of articles on wellbeing in the work place, including insights on topics like burnout and mental health. Please take at look at these great resources: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/well-being-in-the-workplace

ADA Resources for Health and Wellness

Supporting Colleagues: "Addressing Alcohol & Substance Use Among Dental Professionals"
Winter Blues Webinar

*The SDDA has partnered with the State Board of Dentistry and the South Dakota Dental Foundation to provide funding for this project.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Individuals in need of mental health crisis services only need to remember a new three-digit number: 𝟵𝟴𝟴
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 988 provides 24/7 connection to confidential support.

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:
Health Professionals Assistance Program
Tel: (605) 275-4711 Fax: (605) 275-4715
4109 S Carnegie Circle
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57106
SD Health Professionals Assistance Program