Need to talk to someone confidentially?
365/24hr help available.
Dentistry is a rewarding profession, however it can be stressful for many reasons. Our core aim as a LDC is to represent and support you. If you are a levy-paying dentist and member of the Norfolk LDC you can contact us for a confidential discussion about anything at any time.
We will do our very best to assist you with your query or direct you to another organisation that can help.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.
Sources of help for dentists
Local Dental Committee (LDC). If you’re concerned about your performance, you could consider seeking help from your LDC. We operate a practitioner advice and support scheme (PASS), which practitioners can approach for free and confidential support.
Please note that the support that PASS provides is completely confidential. In order to access this FREE scheme, dentists contact East Anglia and Essex PASS
If you would like independent advice about referring a colleague or yourself to the East Anglia and Essex Group please telephone or email in complete confidence, one of the following:
Nick Stolls (East Anglia)
Email: stolls.fam@btinternet.com
Tel: 01379 586547
Hannah Woolnough (Essex)
Email: hannah.woolnough@nhs.net
PASS Practitioner Advice & Support SCHEME- East Anglia and Essex
- Protecting Patients
- Confidential Support for Dentists by Dentists
PASS Schemes offer support and mentoring to colleagues in difficulty in the hope of resolving issues before the need for formal investigation. The GDC and BDA has supported this ‘practitioners supporting practitioners’ approach.
Objectives of PASS are –
-The early identification of dental practitioners whose performance may be giving cause for concern.
-To provide dental practitioners with skilled help, support and guidance.
-To provide assurance to the public, politicians and the profession that the issue of performance is being addressed responsibly.
The PASS Group consists of LDC members and Dental Practice Advisor, all of whom operate under a Code of Conduct and follow Caldicott Guidelines on Confidentiality.
We are here to help you
Support is offered to all Norfolk dentists who are wish to participate in the scheme and ranges from simple telephone advice to practice visits.
It is important to understand that PASS can only help those who recognise that they are in need of support and are open to change if necessary.
Discussion of problems at an early stage with colleagues who have an understanding of the dentist’s point of view and circumstances can be invaluable.
With the support that PASS can arrange or coordinate involvement with a more formal resolution may be avoided.
Occupational health services. Local arrangements are in place for NHS GDPs and employed dentists.
Sources of help for dental care professionals
British Association of Dental Nurses
The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy
National organisations available to everyone
Samaritans. A charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. Open 24 hours a day.
Scotland: National Wellbeing Hub. General resource for all healthcare workers.
SAMH for Scotland’s mental health. Coronavirus mental health information hub.
Narcotics anonymous. A non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs have become a major problem.
Cocaine Anonymous. A fellowship of recovering addicts who maintain their individual sobriety by working with others.
Alcoholics Anonymous. A fellowship concerned with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who turn to the fellowship for help.