The practice of dentistry can be strenuous enough so that dentists sometimes fall victim to substance abuse or mental health disorders, which result in disciplinary actions from which their careers might never fully recover.

A new law signed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey in December establishes a Dental Diversion Program, allowing dentists to participate in a remediation program approved by the Board of Registration in Dentistry. This program enables dentists to rehabilitate themselves, thereby avoiding negative impacts on their licenses resulting from actions that may have been caused by substance abuse.

The remediation program is voluntary for dentists who seek it out on a confidential basis and can benefit from early diagnosis and treatment of mental or substance abuse problems.  After the program has been completed successfully, BORID can seal the records of a dentist or hygienist who has participated in the program after five years, allowing them to continue with a successful dental career unencumbered by past difficulties with mental health or substance abuse.

An outreach program will also be established to ensure that information about the diversion program is widely known within the industry and is accessible to anyone who seeks it out.  Sponsors of the law, Representatives Denise Garlick of Needham and Tackey Chan of Quincy, hope that the law will support the retention of skilled dentists who might otherwise leave the profession without receiving the necessary help.

Brian Hatch
Hatch Legal Group
8 North Main Street, Suite 403
Attleboro, MA 02703
HatchLegalGroup.com
brianhatch@hatchlawoffices.com
508-222-6400