Learn your Strengths
......participate in a world wide study

Researchers have devoted decades to understanding what leads some people to be healthier than others. However, most people have only studied disease and disorder and failed to also address strengths and wellbeing. In this study, we want to look at what is going wrong and what is going right in different people from around the world. We want to capture the entire picture of what it means to be healthy and most importantly, track people to understand how they change over time. This is the first study of its kind to look in depth at people's well-being from around the world. If you chose to participate, you'll be helping us to answer some of the most tantalizing questions that our society faces today!

You can join the study in June 2009, is open to the general population, has nine assessment points in total each three months apart, and ends in March 2011. Participants are required to complete five consecutive assessments (i.e., over one year).

It's completely anonymous, easy to do; participants don't have to give any of their details, and takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Participation also requires them to fill out a set of questions every three months for a year; five times in total.

To participate or find out more, please visit www.wellbeingstudy.com.

The "study code" for this specific population to input into this survey is "oralhealth" which you input when you begin. When you get to the demographic question about occupation, please be "SPECIFIC" — for example, registered/licensed dental hygienist, dentist: oral surgeon, certified dental assistant, dental office administrator etc.

Additionally, include the number of years you have been an oral health professional after you have put in your study code (e.g., "oralhealth, 5 years") or (e.g. "oralhealth, dental student"; "oralhealth, dental hygiene student").

If you participate under the study code, "oralhealth", you will receive an e-mail summary report of your scores, and also go into the drawing to win $100 Amazon.com vouchers. You will also be given the opportunity to opt-in to one of three free wellbeing orientated courses after you have completed the first three assessments.

And . . . it also makes all the difference if you could send a message about this study to "non-oral health professionals", your partner, friends/family/colleagues and e-mail lists. The study code would be the same, "oralhealth" yet when they get to the occupation question; they can input their profession(s).

Many thanks for your help!

Kristine A. Hodsdon RDH, BS