Suicide Prevention in Dentistry: Connect. Ask. Respond. Engage.
Saturday, April 25
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
1.5 CDE Credits – DDS, DH, DA, AUX
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to empower dental professionals with essential skills and knowledge for recognizing and addressing suicide and mental health concerns within their practice. Suicide and mental health issues are pressing public health concerns, and dental professionals are in a unique position to identify signs of distress in their patients and peers. In this course, participants will gain an understanding of the stigma surrounding mental health and how it impacts those at risk of suicide. Dental professionals will learn to recognize the risk factors and warning signs of suicide and how to respond effectively to individuals who may be struggling. The course also covers critical referral options, enabling professionals to guide those in need to the appropriate support resources confidently. Participants will gain insight into wellness strategies tailored to their profession, helping to manage the stresses unique to the dental field. Additionally, this course encourages open and bold conversations about suicide, breaking down barriers and reducing stigma within the profession.
Course Objectives:
1. Increase awareness of stigma and suicide as a public health issue.
2. Recognized risk factors and signs of suicide.
3. Learn how to respond to someone who may be suicidal.
4. Understand referral options.
5. Learn wellness strategies for dental professionals.
6. Speak boldly about suicide.
PRESENTER:
Kandice Swarthout, RDH, LPC
Kandice Swarthout is a registered dental hygienist and a licensed professional counselor with nearly 30 years of experience in dentistry and more than a decade in mental health. She is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, a trauma-focused treatment modality, and serves as an educator in Texas, teaching community and research courses to future dental professionals. A passionate advocate for human trafficking awareness, Swarthout is the founder of Reclaim Smiles, a free dental day for survivors living in safe houses. She is an approved provider of human trafficking training for healthcare professionals through Texas Health and Human Services and speaks nationally on trauma-informed care, clinician wellness and mental health in dentistry. Swarthout is the author of the Mental Health Spotlight column in Today's RDH and was awarded the Sunstar Award of Distinction in 2025 for her research focused on trafficking survivors.
Conflict of Interest: None
