A PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE | by Diane Mullins, MS, RDH, CDIPC
Since suicide is considered a public health concern, bringing awareness can be imperative. As dental health-care providers, we have contact with thousands of patients a year, not to mention coworkers who may be struggling with life. By educating ourselves through terminology, techniques, and suicide prevention training, dental professionals could potentially help reduce suicide statistics. Understanding suicidal behaviors and being aware of available resources creates positive conversations to save lives.
Educational objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the oral health-care provider will be able to:
- Identify the language of safety when discussing suicide
- Explain the most common co-occurring disorders associated with suicidal thoughts
- Identify three psychological states associated with suicide
- Recognize the role of dental health-care providers in suicide prevention
About the Author
Diane Mullins, MS, RDH, CDIPC, has over 25 years of dental experience, including dental assisting, clinical hygienist, and educator. Her passion is infection control. She has spent several years as OSHA coordinator and is currently a member of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention. Since the loss of her brother to suicide, Diane has been bringing suicide awareness and prevention strategies to the dental community. She holds an instructor certification to teach gatekeeper suicide prevention.
Image Credit: stellalevi / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images
Quick Access Code: 22431
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
CE credit(s): 3
Course Type: Written
Published Date: AUGUST 2025
This continuing education (CE) activity was developed by Endeavor Business Media with no commercial support.
This course was written for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, from novice to skilled.
Educational methods: This course is a self-instructional journal and web activity.
Provider disclosure: Endeavor Business Media neither has a leadership position nor a commercial interest in any products or services discussed or shared in this educational activity. No manufacturer or third party had any input in the development of the course content.
Requirements for successful completion: To obtain 3 CE credits for this educational activity, you must pay the required fee, review the material, complete the course evaluation, and obtain an exam score of 70% or higher.
CE planner disclosure: Laura Winfield, Endeavor Business Media dental group CE coordinator, neither has a leadership nor commercial interest with the products or services discussed in this educational activity. Ms. Winfield can be reached at lwinfield@endeavorb2b.com.
Educational disclaimer: Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to result in the participant being an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
Image authenticity statement: The images in this educational activity have not been altered.
Scientific integrity statement: Information shared in this CE course is developed from clinical research and represents the most current information available from evidence-based dentistry.
Known benefits and limitations of the data: The information presented in this educational activity is derived from the data and information contained in the reference section.
Registration: The cost of this CE course is $39.00 for 3 CE credits.
Cancellation and refund policy: Any participant who is not 100% satisfied with this course can request a full refund by contacting Endeavor Business Media in writing.
Provider information:
Dental Board of California: Provider RP5933. Course registration number CA code: 3-5933-22431. Expires JULY 2028. “This course meets the Dental Board of California’s requirements for 3 units of continuing education.”
Endeavor Business Media is a nationally approved PACE program provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
11/1/2024 to 10/31/2028.
Provider ID# 320452
AGD code: 130
Endeavor Business Media is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHEBM (January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit. AADH code: AADHEBM-377-8-2025-3
Endeavor Business Media is an ADA CERP–recognized provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of dental continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to CERP at ada.org/goto/cerp.
