Wellness Resources

ISDA Wellness Resources & Peer Support

Being a dentist today comes with real challenges. Balancing patient care, practice demands, and personal well-being isn’t simple. You’re not alone. The Idaho State Dental Association is deeply committed to the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our members. Because the daily demands of clinical practice can often lead to burnout, anxiety, and high stress, the ISDA Wellness Committee has established a network of Wellness Ambassadors; fellow dental professionals who provide strictly confidential, peer-to-peer support with zero licensing board involvement. Whether you just need a safe space to talk to someone who understands the profession or you are looking for a bridge to specialized professional counseling, you do not have to navigate these challenges alone. To connect with a Wellness Ambassador, please reach out directly to Committee Chair Dr. Brittney Penberthy at penbertb@rocky.edu, contact ISDA staff liaison Jeremy Miller at jeremy@idahodental.org, or use the online form to connect with an ISDA Wellness Ambassador.

(Note: For completely confidential chemical dependency or recovery support, please contact the Program for Recovering Dental Professionals administered by Southworth Associates at 866-460-9014).

The ISDA has gathered resources to support you, and we encourage you to reach out to a colleague or to us anytime.

Crisis Management

  • If safety is a concern, call 911 — it connects you with local emergency services.
  • Idaho Crisis Lifeline: 988
    • Call 988 - one-on-one with a skilled counselor.

    • Text 988 - linked by the caller’s area code; the counselor might be managing multiple text threads.

    • Chat online: 988lifeline.org. Please note: You may be placed in a queue; live chat may not always connect immediately.

  • Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor.

  • National Institute of Mental Health Depression Hotline: 800-421-4211

  • Idaho 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-669-3176

 

Regional Crisis Phone Lines

Location

Adults (18+)

Youth (5–17)

Coeur d’Alene

208-625-4884

—

Lewiston, Orofino, Moscow

877-897-9027

—

Caldwell, Nampa

208-402-1044

208-899-4727

Boise

833-527-4747

833-527-4747

Pocatello

208-909-5177

—

Idaho Falls

208-522-0727

208-826-0994

Twin Falls

208-772-7825

208-969-9841

 

Addiction Support

  • Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357) - 24/7 confidential treatment referral and information. 

  • Start Your Recovery (a free self-help tool) helps individuals take steps toward adjusting their relationship with food, substances, gambling, and other addictions. From leading clinicians, experts from prominent organizations such as SAMHSA, and individuals in recovery, Start Your Recovery is a proven set of materials that helps people address complex issues and find support.

Burnout Prevention & Resources

  • ADA Wellness Resources - When you focus on your mental health, you can deliver the best dental health for your patients.
  • Hope for the Day - non-profit movement empowering the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education.
  • Well-Being Index (WBI), a one-minute self-assessment from the Mayo Clinic, helps dentists monitor mental health with access to ADA wellness resources. This tool supports ongoing self-care and aligns with national workforce well-being priorities. 
  • National Mental Health Association

Values-Based Support

Well-being includes purpose and meaning. Many dentists find that reconnecting with faith, values, service, or time in nature helps restore balance. Take time to nurture what grounds you - reflection, gratitude, community, or quiet moments that align with your beliefs and values. Reach out to others who share your values. Come to a meeting!