Anna Middleton discusses the concerning issue of burnout among dental professionals ahead of her webinar on the subject.
Why do you think working in the dental sector in particular fuels burnout?
There are so many factors which can contribute to the risk of burnout, but the main ones include:
- High demands and precision – working in the dental industry requires intense focus, precision, and attention to detail. DCPs often work in high-stress environments where small mistakes can have significant consequences, leading to personal mental and emotional fatigue
- Repetitive physical strain – the physical demands of dentistry, such as maintaining awkward postures and performing repetitive motions, contribute to physical exhaustion and discomfort, fuelling burnout
- Emotional strain – DCPs frequently deal with patients who are anxious or in pain, which can be emotionally taxing, particularly when combined with the pressure to maintain high patient satisfaction and care standards
- Isolation – DCPs often work in solo practices, which can lead to professional isolation, lack of peer support, and a sense of loneliness, contributing to burnout.
Who is most susceptible to burnout?
- Young professionals – new graduates and young professionals in the dental field may be more susceptible due to the pressures of starting their careers, managing student debt, and establishing a patient base
- Solo practitioners – DCPs who run their own practices may be at higher risk due to the dual pressures of providing patient care and managing the business aspects of their practice
- Highly conscientious individuals – DCPs with a high degree of conscientiousness and perfectionism may be more prone getting burned out because they set very high standards for themselves and may struggle with the emotional toll of not meeting those standards.
Can you tease a few of the strategies for avoiding burnout you will be expanding on during your webinar?
- Work-life balance – I’ll be discussing techniques to create a better work-life balance, including setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, and ensuring time for personal activities and hobbies
- Mindfulness and stress management – I’ll introduce mindfulness practices and stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and time management strategies, to help reduce stress levels
- Ergonomics and physical health – I’ll cover the importance of proper ergonomics, regular exercise, and physical therapy to combat the physical strains that contribute to burnout.
Can offering positive and sought after cosmetic treatments such as tooth whitening help DCPs navigate burnout?
Patient satisfaction – offering desired and sought after cosmetic services like tooth whitening can increase patient satisfaction and variety in the practice, which can help break the monotony and reduce burnout for dental professionals.
What is the key learning you hope people will take away from your webinar?
Proactive burnout prevention – the key takeaway is that burnout is preventable with the right strategies and awareness. By implementing practical stress management techniques and fostering a supportive work environment, dental professionals can sustain their passion and career longevity.
Do men and women respond to burnout differently?
- Emotional expression – men and women may express and cope with burnout differently. Women might be more likely to talk about their feelings and seek social support, while men might internalise stress, which can manifest as physical symptoms or withdrawal
- Work-life balance pressures – women often face additional pressures related to balancing work and family life, which can exacerbate burnout. Men might experience societal pressure to prioritise work, leading to different stressors.
Should people use the same strategies for burnout regardless of the reason?
- Tailored approaches – while some strategies, like stress management and self-care, are universally beneficial, it’s important to tailor approaches to the specific cause of burnout. For example, conflict resolution techniques might be more effective for interpersonal issues, while work-life balance strategies might be better for personal stressors
- Holistic view – a comprehensive approach that addresses both the specific causes and general stressors of burnout is ideal. Flexibility in applying different strategies based on individual circumstances is key.
How can companies and dental practices support HCPs who may be at risk?
- Provide mental health resources – offering access to counselling services, mental health days, and wellness programs can help healthcare professionals manage stress and prevent burnout
- Foster a supportive work environment – encouraging open communication, recognising achievements, and promoting teamwork can create a positive work culture that reduces burnout risk
- Training and development – providing continuous education and training on stress management, ergonomics, and time management can equip professionals with tools to combat burnout.
Why is support from companies, corporates, etc, so important to help raise awareness of this important subject?
- Normalise prevention – corporate support helps to de-stigmatise burnout and promotes the idea that it’s a common issue that can be addressed with the right support
- Resource allocation – companies have the resources to implement large-scale wellness programs and provide tools and training that individual practitioners might not be able to access on their own
- Creating a culture of care – when organisations take burnout seriously, it sets a precedent for prioritising employee well-being, which can lead to better job satisfaction, retention, and overall productivity.
Anna Middleton’s webinar on burnout is supported by Philips and reflects the importance the company places on health and wellbeing in the broadest sense. It is being presented on the FMC platform on 24 September 2024 at 7pm. Join the webinar here.
This article is sponsored by Philips.
