The Board recognizes that licensees and registrants may struggle with health concerns, just like their patients. These health concerns may include mental health conditions, physical conditions or disabilities, or substance use disorders, which may impact practice.
The Board expects its licensees and registrants to properly address health concerns by seeking medical care, and/or limiting their practice, when appropriate.
The Board encourages licensees and registrants to utilize its Health Professionals Assistance Program, the South Dakota Dental Association Be Well Program, other wellness programs, or other appropriate resources, when the symptoms of a health concern have the potential to impair the ability to practice.
The inability of a licensee or registrant to meet the standard of competence as a result of inadequately addressing a health concern, which may impair their ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety, may result in Board review.