How is "impairment" defined under Subchapter 16S of the Caring Dental Professionals Program?

The definition of "impairment" under Subchapter 16S of the Caring Dental Professionals Program focuses specifically on conditions that can significantly hinder a dental professional's ability to perform their duties safely and effectively. This includes both chemical dependence, which refers to a reliance on substances such as drugs or alcohol that disrupt a person's capacity to function, and mental illness, which encompasses a wide range of psychological disorders that can impair cognitive functions, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

By defining impairment in this way, the program emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing issues that can compromise patient safety and the well-being of the professional in the dental field. The definitions of aging and career burnout, physical injuries, and chronic pain, while they can affect performance, do not specifically align with the criteria set forth in Subchapter 16S, which is focused on the impact of substance dependence and mental health issues on professional practice.