Course Description & Speaker Bio

Course Description

This comprehensive presentation explores my personal journey through addiction, its profound effects on my life, and the path to treatment and recovery. It includes an overview of the Opioid Crisis and the role of the ISDS Foundation Dentist Support Program, highlighting the various types of addiction treatment available. The session aims to enhance your ability to recognize and understand the disease of addiction, with practical information on improving your own wellness and reducing stress.

Course Objectives

• Understand the scope of the addiction problem and the dentist’s role in its prevention.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction.
• Identify unique risk factors for dentists.
• Access resources for addiction treatment and support as well as resources to improve personal mental health and well being.

About the Speaker

Dr. Hamel is a member of the Illinois State Dental Society Foundation Board of Directors and Chairman of the Dentist Support Program Committee. He received his DDS degree from the University of Illinois Chicago in 1983 and has been a general dentist in private practice since graduation. In 2022, Dr. Hamel was asked to serve in the inaugural cohort of the American Dental Association's Wellness Ambassador program.

Dr. Hamel has given this presentation about substance abuse since 2011 to ISDS Components and Districts, the CDS Midwinter Meeting, the three Illinois dental schools and the Ontario, Canada Dental Association Annual Spring Meeting. Dr. Hamel's personal journey with substance abuse provides him with a profound and unique perspective, enriching his presentations and enabling him to connect deeply with his audience on this critical issue.