From Shalyn Robers’ first job in a dental office at the age of 16, she’s been attuned to the unique challenges faced by dental professionals. While dentistry can be a profoundly rewarding profession, Robers recognized the stress and financial pressures that came with it, oftentimes amplified by personal challenges.
As Robers furthered her career in the dental community—first working for the Orange County Dental Society in 2007 and eventually being promoted to executive director in October 2023—member wellness became one of her highest priorities.
“Since joining OCDS, I’ve received countless calls from members experiencing hardship, burnout or difficult seasons in their lives,” Robers shared. “We were hearing from new dentists who were experiencing burnout before their careers had even really begun. I realized that if we could help members channel some of those challenges into something positive, meaningful and even exciting, we might be able to help them reconnect with the reasons they chose dentistry in the first place.”
With the support of the OCDS board of directors and then-president Dr. Christina Do, Robers helped create the society’s first Wellness Retreat—a program designed to provide meaningful education, connection and support to dental professionals.
‘The atmosphere is filled with hope, encouragement and renewed purpose’
The Wellness Retreat’s interactive nature is what truly sets the program apart. In addition to hearing keynote presentations, attendees choose small-group discussions on topics that feel relevant to their own lives and challenges. Conversations surrounding financial wellness, leadership, burnout prevention, and alcohol and substance use recovery are held openly and honestly. Robers proudly shares that “topics that were once considered taboo are now being discussed with compassion and understanding.” She elaborates on the intentional reason why the Wellness Retreat is not only for OCDS members:
“We want to spread the message beyond our membership and make sure every dental professional knows they have a community they can turn to. I don’t want a dentist to feel like they have to reach a breaking point before asking for help. We want to be there earlier, with resources, education, community and opportunities for dentists to take care of themselves before burnout takes over.”
Robers also reflects on the most rewarding moment of the Wellness Retreat every year: once the event concludes, many attendees choose to stay back and continue connecting with their peers, building friendships and finding support among one another. It’s clear, she says, that participants not only leave equipped with practical tools, but feel inspired to bring healthier habits and new ideas back to their practices and teams.
“Our hope is that by creating a welcoming, safe space where people can connect, talk openly, learn tools for navigating difficult times, and simply know they are not alone, we can help bring back a sense of connection and hope,” Robers said. “If even one person walks away from our retreat knowing that there is someone they can call, someone who understands, and a community ready to support them, then it is worth everything we do.”
Robers’ success with OCDS’ Wellness Retreat has inspired neighboring dental societies to develop similar wellness-focused events for their own communities. Her impact has been so notable that the CDA Foundation Wellness Committee invited her to become a member of the committee, where her energy, perspective and experience continue to benefit the broader CDA community.
About the Dr. Gale Kloeffler Award
The award is named in memory of Dr. Kloeffler who devoted his career to helping colleagues navigate challenges such as addiction, mental health issues and hardships both in and out of the practice. Robers’ dedication to and advocacy for the well-being of dental professionals embodies the spirit of the award.
The Foundation will accept applications for the 2027 Gale Kloeffler Award from April 1 through May 31, 2027. Learn more about the award and explore the CDA Foundation’s other grants, awards and programs that support dental professionals and community-based organizations in providing dental care to underserved communities.