CDA Essentials 2014 • Volume 1• Issue 5

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37 Volume 1 Issue 5 |
Supporting Your Practice
MAP is one of Canada’s most progressive
and inclusive employee assistance
programs—all at no cost to dentists.
Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year,
you have access to certified counselors
who can immediately provide short-term
guidance. If problems persist or additional
and longer-term support is required, your
MAP counselor can refer you to a relevant
health professional for an appointment,
scheduled at a time that is convenient for
you.
Members can simply phone or email,
reference the MAP program from CDSPI,
and access personalized, expert advice
regarding personal or professional stressors,
addictions, relationship worries, disabilities
and so forth. Along with psychologists,
physicians, psychiatrists, counselors,
family experts, naturopaths and addiction
specialists, you’ll be able to reach out to
qualified nutritionists, motivational trainers,
financial specialists and lawyers.
Perhaps one of your children is going
through a “phase” that caught you off
guard? MAP provides plenty of guidance,
including helping teens find the right
career path, and advising your child on
how to succeed socially, develop effective
study habits or cope with learning
disabilities. No matter what age group your
kids fall into (toddlers and younger children,
teens, the “almost adults”), the child experts
at MAP have the answers and solutions for
you and them.
You can also contact MAP because you
want to learn more about lifestyle choices
such as general health, dieting, relaxation
and physical fitness, and would like to avoid
the plentiful misinformation on the web.
MAP includes an online “classroom”
component where you can learn at your
own speed and convenience regarding
how to stop smoking, manage your stress
level, handle a separation or divorce,
and address other important situations.
Simply access the MAP website at
to find the help and
support you need.
“There is no need to feel discomfort or
shame in reaching out for help,” says Dr.
Carlos Quiñonez, assistant professor and
program director at the University of
Toronto faculty of dentistry. A program
such as MAP, Dr. Quiñonez advises, “is a
great resource that can really help you.
It’s an opportunity that we should all
take advantage of. A dentist’s job can be
really stressful because you’re responsible
for other individuals’ health and well-
being. Add to that the many challenges
of running a practice, interacting with
employees and patients and your everyday
family responsibilities, and you’ve got one
very demanding life and career.”
Dr. Quiñonez educates his students on
the physical strains of dentistry—a topic
on which MAP experts receive specific
training. “Dentistry can be really hard
on the body,” says Dr. Quiñonez. “We’re
hearing about more dentists with tinnitus
and carpel tunnel syndrome along with the
usual back problems, neck and limb pains
and other ailments that come from this
physically taxing occupation.”
“Yes, it might feel awkward making that
initial call,” acknowledges Dr. Quiñonez,
“but do it. People come to dentists every
day for care and support; we deserve the
same service, compassion and assistance
when we are in need.” a
Article by F.Michah Rynor
Mr. Rynor is a freelance writer.
CDSPI, a non-profit organization
established in1959, provides
insurance, investment andother
programsmeeting the specific
needs of the Canadiandental
profession.
Shepell offers clients research-
based information, professional
support and educationonwork,
life andhealth challenges.
Contact MAP
By phone: 1-800-268-5211
(Let them know it’s the
MAP program from CDSPI.)
For the hearing impaired:
TTY: 1-800-363-6270
Online:
(Enter “CDSPI” in the
“Employer” field.)
Mobile: download the
My EAP app from your
app store, or use the
QR code below:
People come to dentists every day for care and support;
we deserve the same service, compassion and assistance
when we are in need.
MAP
Some provincial dental
associations offer health and
wellness programs for their
members. MAP is meant to
complement these programs.