| A Message from ADA President, Dr. Brett Kessler Dear Colleagues, A new year can represent a fresh start, with many of us setting intentions to improve our lives in some way. These resolutions often pertain to our well-being — of which mental health is an important part. Sadly, when it comes to mental health, the dental profession is facing a stark reality: according to the 2024 ADA Council on Communications Trend Report, more than 82% of dentists report major career stress. The pressures of our work often lead many of us to struggle in silence with challenges like anxiety, depression, and burnout. Keeping our professional community well is among my top priorities as your ADA president. Dentistry and life are tough, and the ADA is committed to ensuring you have tools to help you feel your best. I’m excited to share a new resource now available exclusively for all ADA members and dental students — completely free and confidential: Talkspace Go. This self-guided therapy app is designed to fit into the busy lives we lead as dental professionals. In just five minutes a day, you can find tools to support your mental well-being, from managing work stress and relationships to maintaining balance in your life. The app is personalized, science-backed, and it meets you exactly where you are. Here’s how to get started: Visit ADA.org/TalkspaceGo to log in with your ADA information. After you log in, you will receive your member-only access code. Download Talkspace Go on iOS or Android. Create an account and enter the ADA organization code. Answer 25 quick questions to help identify areas where you need support. Dive into customized courses, daily journaling, and even live workshops led by therapists. I’ve used Talkspace Go myself, and I can tell you — it’s not just another app. It’s a powerful tool that can help you take those small, impactful steps toward living your best life. The support doesn’t stop there: I encourage you to visit ADA.org/Wellness to explore more resources for being at your best in 2025, including… Well-Being Index (WBI): This anonymous assessment tool helps you check in on your mental health and receive tailored resources. You can use it as often as you need year-round. Get started here. Physical and Ergonomic Health: Dentistry can take a toll on our bodies. The ADA offers tools to help reduce strain and improve your daily work environment. Learn about ergonomic stretches and more at ADA.org/App. Beyond individual wellness, the ADA is committed to driving systemic changes that support our entire profession. One of our key efforts is eliminating stigmatizing mental health questions from licensure applications. States like Texas, Virginia, Iowa, Minnesota, and Oregon have already made important changes, and more are on the way. Recently, the Oregon Board of Dentistry approved aligning their initial and renewal questions to those of the Oregon Board of Medicine, shifting health-related questions to focus on current impairment rather than past diagnoses or treatment. This is a big win in Oregon, and we look forward to continuing the momentum in the coming year. We’re also supporting the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act, the only federal law dedicated to reducing burnout and suicide among healthcare workers. Additionally, through the ADA’s Wellness Ambassador Program, we’re training dentists to support their peers who may be struggling and facilitate connections with clinical professionals and other resources. This initiative is led by ADA’s Council on Dental Practice and their Dental Team Wellness Advisory Committee (DWAC)—a group of dedicated professionals that includes dentists, mental health experts, and other dental team members. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please text or call 988 to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7/365. Let’s make 2025 the year we choose wellness, together. Sincerely,  Brett Kessler, D.D.S. President, American Dental Association |
| These important wellness resources have been made available to all ADA members. If you aren’t yet an ADA member, you can join us today to unlock your access. If you are already a member, don’t forget to renew your membership for 2025 so you can continue to take advantage of member benefits designed to help you thrive. |
