Mental Health Crisis in Dentistry: Breaking the Silence

Dentistry has long been regarded as a prestigious and lucrative career, but behind the gleaming smiles and state-of-the-art equipment lies a disturbing reality. 

The mental health of dental professionals has been a topic shrouded in secrecy and stigma, with many choosing to suffer in silence rather than seek help. However, recent studies have shed light on the alarming levels of stress, burnout, and even suicidal ideation within the dental community.

According to a survey by the British Dental Association (BDA), a staggering 43% of dentists reported that they could not cope with the stress of their job, and 17.6% had seriously considered suicide. “High levels of stress were found, with 82% of respondents saying stress levels in the dental team have increased noticeably,” revealed a report by BDA Wales. 

These findings paint a grim picture of a profession grappling with immense psychological strain.

The Perfect Storm: Factors Contributing to the Crisis

The dental profession is a unique blend of high-pressure situations, perfectionism, and patient expectations, creating a perfect storm for mental health challenges. Anastasios Plessas, a general dental practitioner and an honorary fellow at the University of Plymouth, emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue:

“It is important to develop positive networks and avoid negative and toxic ones. Having positive and supportive colleagues is what we need when things get tough, which they do for all of us,” Plessas said.

Among the key factors contributing to the mental health crisis in dentistry are:

• Relentless Pursuit of Perfection: Dentistry demands a level of precision and attention to detail that can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Even the slightest mistake can have severe consequences, leading to a constant state of heightened vigilance. As the British Dental Journal noted, “Dentistry is a stressful profession due to highly demanding technical skills and the imperative of striving for perfection.”

• Patient Expectations: In an age where customer satisfaction reigns supreme, dental professionals often find themselves navigating the delicate balance between meeting patient expectations and maintaining their own mental well-being. “Previous research has highlighted high levels of professional stress due to the demands of meeting patients’ expectations, anxious, challenging or dissatisfied patients, time and scheduling pressures, and professional isolation from colleagues,” according to a study published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology.

• Fear of Litigation: The ever-present threat of legal action looms large, with dentists constantly walking a tightrope to avoid potential lawsuits. This constant state of apprehension can take a significant toll on their mental health. “Other factors contributing to stress experienced by dental practitioners include: fear of litigation, patient complaints, pressures associated with running a small business, and negative public perceptions of dentists,” the study further revealed.

• Isolation and Lack of Support: Despite being part of a healthcare team, many dentists feel isolated and unsupported, leading to a sense of loneliness and vulnerability. “Three-quarters of respondents have gone to work despite not feeling mentally well enough,” the BDA Wales report highlighted, underscoring the lack of support within the profession.

Breaking the Silence: A Call for Change

As the mental health crisis in dentistry continues to unfold, it has become increasingly evident that a paradigm shift is necessary. Plessas emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of openness and support:

“One of the things we have to learn early on in our career is how to make decisions in the uncertainty of the healthcare environment. Sometimes there is a feeling that while doing your best, it’s just not good enough, and that alone might leave you open to a complaint. It is really important to recognize that sometimes, your best is all you can do,” he added.

To address this issue, a multifaceted approach is required, involving both individual and systemic changes:

• Normalizing Conversations: Encouraging open and honest discussions about mental health within the dental community is crucial. By breaking the stigma and creating a safe space for dialogue, dentists can feel empowered to seek support when needed. As the British Dental Journal stated, “Reducing this stigma through advocacy and education is vital to ensure practitioners can seek the appropriate mental health support they need.”

• Self-Compassion: Dentists must learn to be kinder to themselves and acknowledge that perfection is an unrealistic expectation. Embracing a growth mindset and recognizing that mistakes are opportunities for learning can alleviate unnecessary stress. “It is vital that we reduce this stigma through advocacy and education to ensure practitioners can seek the appropriate mental health support they need. Improving mental health of dental practitioners is important for their wellbeing, patient outcomes and public health,” emphasized Associate Professor Matt Hopcraft from the University of Melbourne.

• Peer Support Networks: Fostering a culture of peer support and mentorship within the dental community can provide an invaluable source of guidance and solidarity. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can help alleviate the sense of isolation often experienced by dental professionals. The BDA’s research found that “Having positive and supportive colleagues is what we need when things get tough, which they do for all of us.”

• Systemic Changes: Addressing the root causes of stress and burnout requires systemic changes within the dental industry. This may involve revising regulations, implementing better support systems, and promoting a healthier work-life balance. As the British Dental Journal noted, “Addressing the mental health crisis in dentistry head-on… requires systemic changes within the dental industry.”

Reclaiming Well-Being: Tips and Exercises for Dentists

While addressing the mental health crisis in dentistry requires a collective effort, individual dentists can also take proactive steps to safeguard their well-being. Plessas shares some valuable advice:

“Psychological safety in the workplace is a buzz term at the moment. It is really important to be kind to each other, both in our real world and in the virtual world of social media. Being kind to the whole dental team is really important and that includes not just those who we interact with in our own workplace but also, those who we interact with within the systems we work in. They too may be having a bad day,” he stated.

Here are some practical tips and exercises for dentists to better manage stress at work:

Mindfulness and Meditation

Incorporating mindfulness practices and meditation into your daily routine can help cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. Simple breathing exercises or guided meditations can be powerful tools for reducing stress and increasing focus. As Dental Depot’s article on mental health and well-being for dentists suggests, “Regular exercise and a healthy diet, routine sleep” are crucial for maintaining mental health.

Physical Exercise and Self-Care

Regular physical exercise has been proven to have a positive impact on mental health. Prioritizing self-care activities, such as yoga, hiking, or simply taking a walk during breaks, can provide a much-needed respite from the demands of the profession. “Looking after your mental wellbeing is an important step in making sure you’re working at the best possible level. It also helps you improve self-worth and find joy in your craft,” the article advises.

Building Supportive Networks

Surrounding yourself with a network of supportive colleagues, friends, and family members can be a lifeline during challenging times. Seek out mentors or join professional support groups to share experiences and coping strategies. As Plessas emphasized, “It is important to develop positive networks and avoid negative and toxic ones.”

Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Embracing a growth mindset and continuously expanding your knowledge and skills can help combat feelings of inadequacy or stagnation. Attend workshops, conferences, or pursue additional certifications to stay engaged and motivated. The British Dental Journal recommends, “Fostering a culture of peer support and mentorship within the dental community can provide a invaluable source of guidance and solidarity.”

By addressing the mental health crisis in dentistry head-on, the dental community can pave the way for a more supportive and resilient profession. It is time to shatter the silence and prioritize the well-being of those who dedicated their lives to improving the oral health of others.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About The Mental Wellbeing of a Dentist

Q: What Causes Mental Health Issues in the Dental Profession?

There are several potential causes of mental health struggles among dental professionals. The demanding nature of the job, with long hours, intense focus required, and high expectations for perfection can lead to burnout. Dentists may also face challenging interactions with difficult patients. Additionally, women and minority groups in dentistry can face extra stressors like microaggressions, exclusion, belittling comments or actions in the workplace.

Q: How Can I Manage Stress as a Dental Professional?

To reduce stress levels, make self-care a priority. Try sharing frustrations with others, taking breaks throughout the day, practicing mindfulness and meditation, working reasonable hours, and showing compassion to yourself. Finding healthy coping mechanisms that work for your lifestyle is crucial to prevent burnout. Simple things like open communication and reasonable schedules can make a big difference.

Q: Why Is There a Stigma Around Mental Health in Dentistry?

Despite being healthcare providers, there remains an unfair stigma that dentists and other medical professionals should not struggle with mental health issues. This prevents many from getting the support they need. Anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions are incredibly common across all professions. Seeking help through therapy, support groups or other treatment should be viewed as a wise choice, not a weakness.

Q: How Can I Help Reduce the Mental Health Stigma?

The best way to combat the stigma is by being open about your own struggles if you feel comfortable doing so. Talking candidly with colleagues about mental health challenges can help normalize the conversation. Additionally, prioritizing your own mental wellbeing by accessing resources like therapy, counseling or even disability compensation sends a powerful message that your health matters.

Q: Why Is Managing Mental Health Important for Providing Quality Care?

Unmanaged mental health issues like anxiety, depression or high stress levels can negatively impact clinical performance in several ways. It can reduce focus and attention to detail, decrease motivation, empathy and ability to build rapport with patients, and increase likelihood of mistakes or oversights. Maintaining emotional wellbeing allows dentists to provide their best possible care.

Q: How Common Are Mental Health Issues Among Dentists?

Studies have found alarmingly high rates of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and burnout among dental professionals compared to the general population. One systematic review found the prevalence of common mental disorders ranged from 7% to 65% among dentists, with an average of 31%. Another study reported that 59.5% of dentists experienced symptoms of burnout.

Q: What Role Does Isolation Play in Mental Health for Dentists?

The nature of dental work often involves treating patients one-on-one in confined operatories for extended periods. This isolation and lack of regular social interaction can contribute to anxiety, depression and loneliness for some dentists. Making efforts to increase communication and take breaks can help mitigate these effects of isolation.

Q: How Can Workplaces Support Mental Health in Dentistry?

Dental offices and organizations can take steps to prioritize mental health support and reduce stigma. This includes providing resources and education, encouraging open dialogue, evaluating workplace stressors, promoting self-care, and ensuring pathways exist for dentists to access professional help confidentially if needed. A culture of mental health awareness is beneficial.

Q: Do Women Face Additional Challenges with Mental Health in Dentistry?

Yes, research indicates women in the dental field, who are in the minority, may experience additional mental health strain. This can stem from factors like discrimination, harassment, wage gaps, challenges balancing work/family life, and other gender-based inequities that add extra emotional burden and stress.

Q: What Self-Care Strategies Benefit Dentists’ Mental Health?

In addition to therapy, exercise, meditation, mindfulness practices, spending time outdoors, pursuing hobbies and creative outlets, and cultivating supportive relationships can all have a positive impact on dentists’ mental and emotional wellbeing. Making time for rejuvenating self-care activities is crucial for managing the unique stressors of the profession.

References

• Dental practitioners face rising burden of mental health conditions, study says. (2023, February 27). Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. https://mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/news-and-events/news-archive/dental-practitioners-face-rising-burden-of-mental-health-conditions,-study-says
• Mental health in dentistry: Has the profession opened up through the years? (2022, June 6). National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9168629/
• Admin, V. (2021, August 6). Why you should be maintaining your mental health & wellbeing as a dentist. Dental Depot. https://www.dentaldepot.com.au/news/why-you-should-be-maintaining-your-mental-health-wellbeing-as-a-dentist/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwh4-wBhB3EiwAeJsppN74AHlzo_PjRUgrPuM9FgPCNjdSJQce3SNvMFU-gyIjssTqjcCDkhoCKj4QAvD_BwE
• Dental Check-up: Mental Health Series | FDI. (n.d.). https://www.fdiworlddental.org/dental-check-mental-health-series
• Mendelson, M. (2023, May 23). Mental health in Dentistry: How your mindset can impact your clinical performance. Spear Education. https://www.speareducation.com/spear-review/2023/04/mental-health-dentistry-how-your-mindset-can-impact-your-clinical-performance