Well-Being
The AADA offers several resources to assist you and your dental family. Below you will find information to support you, your spouse and family.
Addiction and SupportAn addiction is more than just an intense interest in something. It is a medical condition that changes the brain and the body and causes the person to feel compelled to continue using a substance or partaking in an activity, even when doing so may cause harm. Most research into addiction suggests that it activates regions in the brain associated with motivation and reward. Specifically, addiction alters the body's dopamine system. When a person with addiction initially uses the substances or engages in the behavior, they receive an intense rush of dopamine, causing feelings of pleasure and reward. Over time, their body may produces less dopamine and rely on the substance or behavior to feel the dopamine rush. Addiction affects other aspects of the brain as well, steadily changing it, and making it increasingly difficult for the person to avoid the addictive substance or behavior. (
www.medicalnewstoday.com)
Click here for information on addictions and support groups related to alcohol and drug use, gambling, and pornography.
Hearing and AudiologyDental professionals have become increasingly aware of the occupational induced hearing loss in the dental profession. Dental health-care workers are constantly subjected to both intermittent and continuous noise from high-speed hand-pieces, ultrasonic scalers, suction devices, automated mixers, ultrasonic instrument cleaners, instrument dishwashers, vacuum pumps, air compressors, model trimmers, business office equipment, telephones, entertainment systems, and heating and air-conditioning units. To date, most dental health-care workers have not taken an active role in protecting their hearing in the workplace. Hearing difficulties increase as the number of years working in a noisy environment rises. Hearing impairment at all levels compromises communication, can play a role in workplace safety, result in social isolation, lead to depression, and higher rates of mental and physical illness.
Click here for information on hearing loss, prevention and measures recommended for the dental practice.
Sleep and Sleeping DisordersIn today's fast-paced world, a good night's sleep has become something of an indulgence. It has fallen down our list of priorities behind work, chores, social time, and entertainment. However, sleep should not be a luxury. It is as important to your physical and mental health as food and water. Sleep is necessary to maintain critical body functions, restore energy, repair muscle tissue, and to allow the brain to process new information. Sleep deprivation can cause a range of mental and physical problems, including impairment of your ability to think clearly, focus, react, and control emotions. Chronic sleep deprivation has been shown to increase the risk for serious health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. It can also affect your immune system, reducing your body's ability to fight off infections and disease. (
www.healthline.com)
Click here for tips to help achieve a good night's sleep and information on sleeping disorders.
Surviving SpouseFor nearly 20 years ago, AADA has provided emotional and practical support to members dealing with the death of their dentist spouse and in some cases the need to sell the dental practice. The ability of AADA to reach out to members encountering such loss is contingent on the receipt of notifications from State and local groups, as well as individual members. All AADA members are urged to provide timely notification of a dentist death to the AADA Staff at 813.540.2154 or
info@allianceada.org.
Click here for suggestions on creating a "Just in Case" file, researching dental practice ownership laws, selling the dental practice, and coping with the loss of a spouse.
