Iowa Dental Foundation Receives $150,000 Grant for Dental Provider Mental Health Program
Posted on December 30, 2024 in Foundation
Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation awarded a $150,000 System and Capacity Building grant to the Iowa Dental Foundation to support a provider mental health program—Iowa Dental Advocacy for Professional & Personal Thriving (IADAPT). The program launched Jan. 1.
"We’re thrilled to see dental organizations across Iowa come together in support of mental wellness for providers,” said Suzanne Heckenlaible, executive director of Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation. “This program aims to make sure dentists have timely access to high-quality mental health resources, reinforcing that a balanced, fulfilling life is within reach for everyone. Both executive coaching and therapy offer goal-focused approaches to personal growth and enhancing well-being.”
Funding for IADAPT provides support for Iowa dentists through services from Flowstate Health. This is a collaborative effort of Delta Dental of Iowa, Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Iowa Dental Association (IDA), Iowa Dental Board, Iowa Dental Foundation, University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, and Flowstate Health.
"The Iowa Dental Foundation is proud to launch this collaborative project, offering mental health and coaching services to support the well-being of Iowa’s dentists,” said Laurie Traetow, executive director of the Iowa Dental Association/Iowa Dental Foundation. “By prioritizing mental wellness, we help ensure our dental professionals thrive both in their careers and personal lives."
Following COVID-19, the dental profession experienced a surge in staffing shortages, tight budgets, and required mandates to protect the health of staff and patients. This experience highlighted a unique challenge as many dentists are not only healthcare professionals, but also business owners and staff managers. All these roles can compound daily pressures, affecting dentists’ mental health.
The pilot program provides dentists access to three no-cost individual coaching or therapy sessions per year, quarterly virtual educational opportunities, and IDA e-newsletter articles. All program components have been carefully curated to meet the unique needs of Iowa dentists; services will be delivered by Iowa-based licensed and credentialed mental health professionals.
“It’s OK to not be OK,” said Carissa Wemmie, licensed independent social worker with Flowstate Health. “You don’t have to be unwell to benefit from mental healthcare.”
Program materials will be distributed to Iowa dentists by the Iowa Dental Foundation and the IDA. All coaching and mental healthcare will be provided directly from Flowstate Health. Learn more about the initiative at https://www.iowadental.org/iadapt