Learning Objectives

• Identify Mental Health Disorders in Clients and Colleagues:  Develop the skills to recognize key signs and symptoms of common mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, mood, and personality disorders. 
• Understand the Impact of Mental Health on Your Professional Life:  Explore how mental health challenges can influence your career as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), and learn strategies to navigate these challenges effectively.  3
• Maintain Mental Well-being in and out of the Operatory:  Gain practical insights into managing your mental health both within the clinical setting and in your personal life, ensuring sustained well-being and professional longevity. 
• Apply Effective Coping Strategies During Stressful Situations:  Engage in the practice of evidence-based coping mechanisms that can be used during moments of distress, enhancing your ability to remain resilient in demanding environments.

This course is designed to equip dental health care professionals with crucial knowledge and tools to recognize, address, and manage mental health disorders—both in their clients and themselves. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the various signs and symptoms of mental health issues, learn actionable strategies for responding to these concerns, and explore the role dental professionals play in supporting their clients' overall wellbeing.  Key Concepts: • Identifying the key signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in clients, enabling timely and compassionate interventions. • Crafting a practical action plan to guide responses when mental health issues arise in the dental care setting. • Understanding the unique responsibilities and opportunities dental health care providers have in contributing to the mental well-being of their clients. • Fostering resilience by recognizing and managing your own mental health, preventing episodes at work, and enhancing your overall well-being. • Engaging in evidence-based, practical coping mechanisms during moments of distress, applicable to both personal and professional settings.  Living with a mental health disorder is not a barrier to leading a fulfilling life, it's a challenge that can be met with the right tools, strategies, and support systems. As a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) who has personally navigated the complexities of a mental health disorder, I will share my journey to thriving in my career as an educator, speaker, clinician and entrepreneur. This course is more than just a learning experience; it’s a step towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in the dental field and beyond. Together, we can bridge the gaps that still exist in understanding and supporting those living with invisible disabilities. Let’s create a more compassionate and informed dental community where mental health is prioritized alongside physical and oral health.