The impaired dentist. Recognition and treatment of the alcoholic and drug-dependent professional.

An attempt has been made to focus on the gravity of the consequences of alcoholism and/or drug dependence within the dental profession. The dentist who suffers from these illnesses can be identified through a pattern of behaviors and personal, vocational, and social consequences that are progressive and potentially fatal. When denial by colleagues, family, friends, professionals, and office personnel is overcome, enabling no longer perpetuates the illness and help is forthcoming. Programs can be developed in constituent societies that are based on the widely accepted and effective employee assistance programs found in the work world today. Voluntary and nonvoluntary approaches are employed to direct the sick person to professional help. The sophistication of today's alcoholism treatment provides us with the tools to initiate recovery. The dentist and his or her family has an excellent chance for recovery and everyone gains--the victim, the family, the dental profession, the dental patient, and society. It is time we recognized our own denial and enabling and accept our responsibilities to help our suffering colleagues. Dentists are just as susceptible to disease as other humans, and the tragedy of a wasted life as a result of alcoholism is inexcusable with our level of knowledge of alcoholism programs today.