Assistance for Substance Abuse & Well-Being

The Eighth District Dental Society is committed to aiding our colleagues in addressing substance use disorder and related mental health issues. The New York State Dental Association’s Committee on Substance Abuse and Well-Being provides a statewide network of dentist-peers who are available to assist members, their families, and the dental office staff in addressing problems with drugs or alcohol. The Committee includes dentists who have experienced both the devastation of addiction and the effectiveness of intervention and treatment in their own lives. Funding is available for dentists who need in-patient treatment but do not have the financial resources to get it.

Practicing a profession while impaired can result in a charge of unprofessional conduct. When you speak with our Peer Assistance Coordinator, Dr. Bob Herzog, or any of the Committee’s members, your interactions are confidential and non-punitive. The Committee never refers a dentist to OPD or any other agency. When a dentist’s license is at risk, the Committee can help the dentist protect his/her license and privilege to practice through the New York State Education Department’s Professional Assistance Program (PAP).

If you or a colleague is struggling with substance abuse and related mental health concerns, it is easy to get help. Contact Dr. Timothy Mahoney at 716-868-7512 EDDS Committee Chair; Dr. Bob Herzog, 716-830-3055 Peer Assistance Coordinator; Dr. Amy Bryan, at 716-807-4131 Peer Assistant Coordinator; or Ms. Jacquie Donnelly at NYSDA, 518-689-2750. Your call is confidential.

Visit NYSDA's website for mental health resources and information related to opioid prescribing: Substance Abuse & Mental Health (nysdental.org)