title: The Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners and the chemically dependent dentist.
abstract: The Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) has adopted the disease model in dealing with chemically dependent dentists. SBDE has found that a punitive attitude toward chemical dependence is not productive. The SBDE works closely with the Dentists' Well-Being Committee of the Maryland State Dental Association to help dentists regain productive lives while observing its responsibility to protect the public. The SBDE's concern for patient welfare is a top priority, but it does not lessen SBDE's compassion for dentists who may be suffering from this illness.
authors.affiliation: Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners, Bowie, MD 20715, USA.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Shampaine
mesh_terms: D003815:Dentists; D006801:Humans; D008005:Licensure, Dental; D008396:Maryland; D011363:Professional Impairment; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders