The American Dental Association (ADA) is hosting a live webinar on January 23 to help dentists and their teams talk about mental health with patients. This session, titled “The Dental Visit: Bridging Patients to Mental Healthcare Through Connection,” is all about equipping dental professionals with the tools they need to spot mental health issues during appointments.
Dr. Richard J. Rosato, the ADA President, emphasizes that dentists play a crucial role in addressing mental health. He believes that asking open-ended questions about mental health can encourage patients to seek help if needed. This isn’t about diagnosing conditions, but about extending support.
During the webinar, participants will learn to:
- Recognize the ongoing mental health crisis in the U.S., influenced in part by the surgeon general’s advisory on social connection.
- Use empathy in conversations with patients facing mental health challenges.
- Ask effective questions during medical history updates to facilitate discussions about mental health.
- Utilize screening tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, understanding when and how to implement them.
- Refer patients to mental health resources, covering effective communication and integration practices.
Dr. Jennifer Thompson, chair of the ADA Council on Dental Practice, notes that a patient’s oral health is linked to their overall well-being. By making small changes in how conversations are framed and how medical histories are gathered, dental professionals can positively impact mental health. This, in turn, can lead to better daily habits, such as brushing and flossing.
The webinar will feature a panel of experts, including dentists, a psychologist, a dental hygienist, and a social worker, all sharing their insights on the intersection of mental and dental health.
The session runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST and offers three continuing education credits. The cost is $19 for ADA member dentists and $29.99 for nonmembers. Team members can join for $9.99. To register or find more details, check out the ADA Store.
