Marisa Scannell warns of the dangers of isolation and explains how she is fighting it through the development of a new professional network for dental hygienists and therapists.
When we think about the basic needs of a human being, things such as food, water, sleep, shelter and health come to mind. However, we rarely think about connection.
Humans are social creatures much like our primate cousins. We are designed to live in tribes and communities, forming sustainable and much valued relationships with one another.
Isolation and community
In recent times – and especially after the social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic – it has come to light just how fundamentally important these relationships are.
Many studies have conducted research into loneliness and the detrimental mental and physical health affects it causes. Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, including a 50% increased risk of developing dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. Loneliness is also highly correlated with incidences of depression and anxiety.
In a world where we are seemingly more connected than ever with technology and social media, we find ourselves paradoxically more disconnected than ever. The confinements of the contemporary western world mean living simultaneously together in highly populated areas and yet completely separately in our own places of residence.
Capitalist society primarily allocates most time to prioritising productivity and working for the economy and less time for recreational and humanistic activities.
So, how do we combat this? Community.
Succeeding together
Humans have thrived in communities since the beginning of our existence. We do best when integrated and connected.
Dentistry as a profession reflects the aforementioned paradox, whereby we treat patients every day and spend so much time around our colleagues – yet we may never truly connect with one another. There are multiple key elements of fulfilling connections such as common ground, honesty and vulnerability which further deepen our relationships with each other.
This can be a hard territory to manage when maintaining a professional boundary but one that we learn nonetheless. This is where networking and attending CPD courses and events can be extremely enriching. To be in an environment with like-minded individuals who can relate to our working life experience and ultimately where strong bonds can be formed is second to none.
Collective support
This is the basis on which I founded the LDHTSC (London Dental Hygienist & Therapist Study Club). Dental hygienists and therapists (DHTs) are often isolated in the work environment, regularly working alone and sometimes left out from the team due to part-time working and differences in schedules etc.
Many DHTs suffer from low mood, stress, burn out and mental health issues without a supportive community behind them. The LDHTSC aims to help clinicians who feel this way through regular social and study events.
Our first event was held in June and the response has been phenomenal. The way the club has taken off just proves how vital it is. The DHT community has long needed a safe space and bridge for connection to the wider dental industry with guest speakers and creating networking opportunities for all involved. It is an honour to be able to facilitate these events on behalf of the DHT community within London and the surrounding areas and I can only wish for growth further afield in the future and similar movements within the sector.
Whether it’s within the dental profession or in wider society, the principle for human connection remains the same. To quote Thomas Hubl, a worldrenowned trauma therapist: ‘While trauma occurs in separation, healing happens in relation.’
This article first appeared in Dentistry magazine.
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