As of September 2016, the BDA Benevolent Fund had received almost double the number of applications for support than in the same period in 2015. As Nairn Wilson is keen to point out, need does come and go of course, but 21st century dentistry offers a unique set of challenges including, but not limited to, future career uncertainty, limited remuneration opportunities and high clinical demands within certain constraints, which do not help the profession’s wellbeing.
Nairn went on to say: “I don’t know if the increased figures signal a new trend that there will be a higher need going forward, but certainly the present climate has not helped. I’d suggest one of the reasons dentists find themselves in trouble is because it can be a stressful job and many experience an emotional crisis. That’s nothing to be ashamed of; it could also easily be any one of us. It is actually frightening how quickly things can take a turn for the worse, creating an absolute need for help rebuilding lives.”
Lisa’s* story is a case in point: she is a qualified dentist recently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, who is currently unable to work because of her illness. She receives no financial support from her ex-husband and brings up their two children without any help. While she was undergoing treatment, the BDA Benevolent Fund assisted her with a grant to help pay for much needed electrical repairs in her house, making it a safe living environment once more.
Building on this example, Nairn commented: “It is important also to realise that the team working at the fund offer more than financial help, and are in regular contact with the beneficiaries. Dentists, both young and old, can find themselves very isolated because of their circumstances – having someone to talk to can make a huge difference.”
Why and how to help
Nairn is keen to point out that it is imperative the dental profession helps their own, when in a position to do so, stating: “The Benevolent Fund is run by dentists for dentists through voluntary donations. If we in dentistry don’t give, who is going to? There are many worthwhile dental charities, but this one is very much focused on helping dentists at all levels and I think it reflects well on our professional status and us as individuals if we can provide much needed help for those who are suffering beyond hardship and have fallen into an untenable lifestyle, for the most part through no fault of their own. I personally believe that we’re in a profession that helps and supports one another and giving to the Benevolent Fund is a way to fulfil that duty of care.”
While each applicant is carefully assessed to ensure the donation meets their individual needs, last year saw just £75 provide a school uniform for a child over 11 years, £210 support a family over the Christmas period and £340 keep an elderly couple warm. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/bdabenevolentfund, text DENT15 followed by the amount in £’s, to 70070 or send cheques payable to ‘BDA Benevolent Fund’ to:
BDA Benevolent Fund, 64 Wimpole Street London W1G 8YS
For more information visit www.bdabenevolentfund.org.uk
Meanwhile, if you think you know someone who could benefit from the fund’s help, please pass its contact details on to them.
* Privacy is key at the Benevolent Fund, so this is not the beneficiary’s real name.