Sir, the recent paper by Kay and Lowe (BDJ 2008; 204: E19) provides an interesting, unique and valuable perspective on our profession's view on stress levels, health and health related behaviours.

The Short Michigan alcohol screening test (SMAST) 'indicated that dentists seemed more likely to have alcoholic tendencies than they were ten years ago'. The results reported that '6% of respondents had a drink problem and 9% had alcoholic tendencies' which suggests that alcoholic tendencies/alcoholism is rising within the profession.

The alcoholic/addicted dentist can experience many difficulties professionally and personally and, if this disease is left untreated, can suffer PCT and GDC investigation, loss of registration, loss of income, financial worries, bankruptcy, domestic violence, divorce, emotional damage to children, involvement with the police, court appearances, loss of self worth, suicide ... and ... premature death!

Sadly, it is not only the dentist who suffers - spouses, partners and children are also deeply affected with many children continuing to suffer the effect of an uncertain or chaotic childhood into adulthood and throughout their lives. Dentists need to be aware of alcoholism /drug dependency as a primary disease which can be treated with successful outcomes. The alcoholic/drug dependent dentist need not fear treatment as it can return him/her to a fulfilled and productive personal and professional life and provide the means to remake personal and professional relationships.

The British Doctors and Dentists Group (BDDG), founded in 1975, consists of dentists and doctors who are recovering from alcoholism or drug dependency. Groups are scattered around the country and meet regularly to share, in confidence and without judgement, personal, professional and living problems related to their addiction and to support each other in recovery. Details are available, in confidence, from the National Secretary, Dr Paul R on 07771 642682 or from http://www.bddgchelmsford.com.

The Dentists Health Support Programme (DHSP) offers a confidential helpline, guidance and support to dentists who are in difficulty as a result of alcohol or drugs: the DHSP Helpline number is 0207 224 4671.

Support for relatives and friends of dentists who are suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction is offered through The BDDG Family Members Group. Relatives and children of addicted dentists are emotionally damaged as a consequence of the addicted dentist and need their own recovery. The groups provide a safe place to share life experiences, knowledge and hope, in confidence and without judgement. Meetings are held around the country with details, in confidence, from Cecile D 01737813921 or http://www.bddgfamilies.org.uk.

For anyone of our profession who has a problem with alcohol or drugs, The British Doctors and Dentists Group or the Dentists Health Support Programme can help you on the road to recovery from this disease.