We've got your back

The all-new DHAA Peer Support Service has been created to help anyone feeling challenged by professional circumstances

THE NEW DHAA Peer Support Service (PSS) is intended to support DHAA members (including graduates and students) on matters related to the many challenges and demands imposed on dental practitioners in Australia.

The service provides an experienced dental practitioner to act as a listening ear over the phone, as well as advising on other support services in times of stress. The volunteer may also provide advice on where to seek appropriate professional support.

The service is appropriate for members who are: • The subject of a professional practice investigation either through the PI insurer and/or AHPRA • Affected by an occupational health and safety or industrial relations situation at the workplace • Seeking advice on practice matters that may lead to a PI insurance claim or AHPRA notification

Please be aware that this is NOT an instant information service, nor an emergency counselling lifeline. These areas are covered by the Dental Board Dental Practitioner Support service or other emergency support services.

How the process works

All DHAA members may access the service through the following ways: a) A referral from the BMS insurance or DHAA IR support lines. When members seek support through these services they are offered the opportunity to access a peer support volunteer in addition to the PI and IR professionals. b) A member may contact the PSS directly via the online form on the DHAA website to request support.

“The service provides an experienced dental practitioner to act as a listening ear over the phone, as well as advising on other support services in times of stress”

Requests will be reviewed by the PSS coordinator and where appropriate a volunteer support professional will be assigned.

The PSS volunteer will contact the member by phone and/ or email to provide relevant support and advice. The volunteer will be available to provide advice by appointment until the Insurance or IR case is completed with an outcome.

Maintaining your privacy

Privacy and confidentiality will be maintained within the boundaries of the legal framework. A member may seek anonymity when making the request to the PSS coordinator. Only de-identified details of cases will be used for program evaluation and ongoing volunteer training and debriefing purposes.

The relationship between DHAA PSS and the DBA Dental Practitioner Support

The DBA Dental Practitioner Support service is a 24/7 telephone and online service for all dental practitioners. Anyone calling the service does not have to give their name and can seek support anonymously. Callers will have instant access to an experienced team from Turning Point who can provide confidential advice and referral on a wide range of issues, including mental and physical health and general wellbeing.

Where the DBA service provides 24/7 on-the-spot emergency crisis management support and referral to callers, the DHAA Peer Support volunteer will be assigned to assist and support the member throughout the term of a case, even when PI insurance and IR lawyers or other professionals are involved.

It is valuable that members going through a rough time have access to an experienced peer to talk things through, and this is what the DHAA peer support service is about.

Turning Point is aware of the DHAA service and they may refer callers to our service for ongoing support as appropriate.

Applying for peer support

The Peer Support request form is available within the members area of the DHAA website.

If you require an immediate emergency response please refer to the numbers below: n

Emergency help

In an emergency that requires an immediate response, please refer to the numbers below: Fire, Ambulance or Police 000 Lifeline 13 1114 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

DBA Dental Practitioner Support

For confidential advice and support 24/7 please call 1800 377 700.