We asked the profession if mental health stigma still exists in dentistry – find out what people said here.
Dentistry’s Big Questions explores the hottest topics of the profession.
We wanted to find out whether there is mental health stigma in dentistry. Of those who responded to our poll, 100% of them said yes…
Hear some of their thoughts below.
Scroll to the bottom for next week’s Big Question.
Aman Rihal, dentist
I think there is still and it’s consistent with society generally too. A big issue with dentistry particularly is the isolation/loneliness and inability for those in the profession to feel comfortable to be vulnerable to another and share with others their concerns regarding anxiety, depression etc.
This, plus the overwhelming need to come across as accomplished and successful, creates a challenging dichotomy to preserve, of outward success and inner turmoil. I feel part of the answer is within the profession itself, and people being non-judgmental and being there for their colleagues by simply non judgmentally listening with no opinion or advice.
The humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers showed the power of non-judgmental listening and genuine empathy, then people often open up, and this is the beginning of genuine psychological change and growth.
Rachel Dilley, Liberty Dental Group CEO
I have worked in dentistry for 34 years, and sadly two of my previous employers took their own lives.
Mental health issues affect us all and cause unimaginable suffering. We must not feel ashamed or dismiss these struggles with phrases like, ‘just get over it’.
Employers need to create supportive environments by providing wellbeing mentors, which I offer.
Unfortunately, some colleagues fear discussing their mental health with their GP due to concerns about being reported to the General Dental Council (GDC).
The GDC needs to reassure dental care professionals that mental health is not stigmatised and promote open, supportive conversations.
Chinwe Akuonu, dentist
Yes, there is still some stigma surrounding mental health in dentistry. However, recent efforts to build a supportive dental community have begun to raise awareness through articles, social media and dental events.
It is encouraging to see dentists openly sharing their experiences with burnout and mental stress, helping others to feel less ashamed. Contributing to this column is another step towards promoting the importance of mental health within the profession.
As a young dentist early in my career, I am aware of the physical and mental challenges associated with this job. Dentistry involves more than just ‘fixing teeth’ – it includes meticulous planning of complex cases, managing patients’ expectations and anxieties, working within biological limitations for predictable outcomes, handling complications, navigating practice ownership challenges, managing litigation fears and coping with the physical demands of the job.
These factors can certainly take a toll on mental health.
Dentists are expected to perform at a high level every single day for many years. The pressures of the job, combined with personal life stresses, can be overwhelming and lead to significant stress.
The key issue is not whether the job is stressful, but rather recognising the demands of the profession and making changes to create a mentally sustainable career. Financial success is meaningless if it comes at the cost of mental health.
Wellbeing strategies
Here are a few strategies to maintain wellbeing in dentistry and combat the stigma:
- Incorporate mental wellness in education: Dental schools should dedicate part of the curriculum to maintaining mental wellness
- Value personality and communication: Success in dentistry relies on personality and communication skills as much as clinical skills. Cultivate mental wellness alongside clinical skills
- Acknowledge stress: Accept that dentistry can be extremely stressful and that you are not alone in feeling this way
- Build a support network: A supportive network is crucial. Seek advice, don’t bottle up your feelings, and network with other dentists to realize how much you have in common
- Prioritise health: Exercise, nutrition, sleep, and taking time off are essential
- Manage issues step-by-step: Learn to prioritise and tackle issues one step at a time
- Avoid overworking: Consider part-time roles to prevent overwork and enjoy hobbies
- Share experiences: Normalise discussions about mental health by talking about your experiences
- Engage with mental health content: Follow social media pages that discuss mental health and provide wellness tips. For instance, Dr Kyle Stanley offers valuable insights on this topic
- Create a sustainable sareer: Don’t let hustle culture convince you that taking time off or working part-time is lazy. Avoid burnout by finding a balance that works for you. For example, I balance clinical work three days a week with creating social media content for dental brands and travelling.
By making these changes, we can create a sustainable and fulfilling career in dentistry, free from the stigma surrounding mental health.
The next Big Question is: Is there a future for NHS dentistry?
What do you think? Can it be saved? If so, what needs to be done? Or is it too late?
Let’s get a discussion going – email your thoughts to [email protected] to feature in our follow-up article in which we will share the views from across the profession.
