Hard Pass: ADA – Mayo Clinic’s “Well-Being Index” Assessment Tools Is A “No Go”

Organized dentistry continues to promote the idea of “wellness” so much so the American Dental Association has partnered – along with it’s state components – with the Mayo Clinic to make available to members it’s “Well Being Index” mental health awareness self assessment tool.

The elective assessment is offered freely – and ostensibly “anonymously” – by virtue of one’s ADA and state membership status. The intake funnel provides a “code” in exchange for one’s membership data. The premise: the “code” provides anonymity to the prospective member – despite the obvious connection between the two.

So, does this algorithm between you and the “code” create the separation necessary for anonymity? The answer is – you cannot receive the code without your identification to it. Read between the lines.

All states within the United States have “practitioner health plans” (PHP) for health care providers in an effort to “protect the public” from practitioners who have been considered to have a mental health or substance abuse illness. At the same time, dentistry has – through their own surveys or other forms of assessment determined – and based upon their own interpretation of results – that participation in PHP plans is under utilized.

Accordingly, there is an ongoing effort in dentistry to increase admissions to address the perceived “lack of utilization” of licensees to resources available to them through PHP programs. ¹² In consideration therefore, it would seem judicious on behalf of dental professionals to reflect on the utility of participating in so called “well being” assessment tools as speculative and potentially self-incriminating.

Caveat Emptor

1. FSPHP 2024 Annual Conference – “Where Have All The Dentists Gone” ↩︎
2. FSPHP 2025 Annual Conference – “Doctors But Not Physicians – How To Be Successful Working With Dental Professionals” ↩︎