In this episode, an honest conversation about the challenges surrounding burnout, substance addiction and misuse, and the available pathways people can turn to for support, healing, and long-term wellbeing. 

Our special guest is Dr. J. William “Bill” Claytor, Jr., a nationally recognized dental professional from Shelby, NC, with expertise in general dentistry, substance use disorders, mental health, and burnout prevention. Since 2022, he has served as Executive Director of North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals.  

Dr. Claytor shares the moment he realized he needed help managing burnout and the pressures of dentistry, and what he did to seek out help. Plus. He shares the life lesson he learned from this experience.   

What began as volunteering with North Carolina Caring Dental Professionals turned into something much bigger, ultimately leading Dr. Claytor to step into the role of executive director and continue to help shape the organization’s future. 

The discussion dives into the most common mental health issues facing dentists right now, along with realistic steps they can take when they find themselves in these situations. 

The stigma associated with substance misuse or asking for help often comes up as a major challenge, along with other difficult hurdles. 

For anyone quietly struggling with substance misuse, addiction, burnout, or mental health challenges, Dr. Claytor highlights some of the available resources, and outlines the first steps toward getting support. 

Dr. Claytor also introduces a simple but powerful framework for wellness using the acronym C.A.S.E., focusing on being collegial, improving access to care, breaking down stigma, and finding ways to engage and empower one another. 

This episode also tackles a tough but important question: how to recognize when someone needs help and how to approach them with care. Drawing from his own experiences, Dr, Claytor offers guidance, tools, and resources to help listeners support colleagues who may be struggling. 

Find peer support and wellness resources for dentists across the U.S. through the Well-Being Directory. 

The ADA offers many programs and resources to support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. You can find a complete list at ADA.org/wellness. 

Reach out to your local and state societies to see what resources are available near you. 

The Well-Being Index, an anonymous validated assessment, resource and measurement tool developed by the Mayo Clinic to address clinician distress and well-being, is newly available at no cost for every ADA member. 

Listen to Dental Sound Bites episodes on perfectionism and mental wellness and mental health. 

Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started. 

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