ADA position on stigmatizing mental health questions
The American Dental Association (ADA) is advocating for the elimination of stigmatizing questions regarding mental health and substance use on dental licensure applications. In July 2025, the ADA sent a letter to all state dental boards sharing best practices and resources—such as its licensure reform toolkit developed in 2024—highlighting states that have already removed intrusive “Have you ever…” mental health questions from initial and renewal applications. ADA leadership emphasized that supporting dentists’ well-being aligns with public health goals, as reducing stigma and ensuring no punitive consequences encourages care‐seeking behavior. Idaho and North Carolina have been recognized as Wellbeing First Champions by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation—meaning their licensure forms no longer include intrusive mental health questions. The toolkit promotes focusing on current impairment rather than past mental health history, in line with models from medical licensing. Additionally, the ADA highlighted wellness resources available to dental professionals, such as the Dentist Well-Being Programs Directory, the Well-Being Index (a validated self-assessment tool), and access to Talkspace mental health services.
The plenary session - Increasing Support and Reducing Stigma Around Mental Healthcare Through Thoughtful Licensing - at CLEAR's upcoming conference will be presented by Dr. Stefanie Simmons, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation.