World Mental Health Day: is the profession still suffering?

World Mental Health Day: is the profession still suffering?

We take a closer look at data from the Dentistry Census 2024 on the topic of mental health for World Mental Health Day.

Mental health problems are a growing concern within dentistry. With the sector struggling with issues ranging from patient litigation to the collapse of NHS services, it is perhaps unsurprising many dental professionals are struggling too. 

According to a study by Larbie and colleagues (2017) for the British Dental Association, the key factors affecting dentists’ mental health and wellbeing are working conditions, working environment, regulatory bodies and the NHS. According to Toon (2019) and Collins (2019), the most stressful aspects of practising dentistry are regulation and fear of litigation. 

FMC’s Dentistry Census 2024, which surveyed almost 3,000 people across the profession, gives us a snapshot of the state of mental health in dentistry. Among its findings are that more than half (52%) of the dental professionals surveyed admit to seeking help for mental health issues – an increase of 21% from 2021. 

Awareness of mental health

Getting an accurate picture of the prevalence and causality of mental health problems within dentistry is a complicated task. In recent years, concerted attempts to raise awareness of mental health have meant that more people are willing to talk openly about their problems and seek help. So, is it just the case that more people are taking their mental health seriously, or are more people experiencing problems?

‘Work-related issues continue to be the main reason why people access our service, but I don’t think we can simply say that its due to people being more willing to seek help,’ says Richard Jones, clinical lead at the Dentists’ Health Support Trust. 

Richard was unsurprised by the census figures and says that they reflect the presentations to his service.

‘I believe people are responding to changing demands and expectations in the profession as a whole and, for some, that tips them into mental ill health. The fact this is happening to more and more people is a cause for real concern for the profession.’

Work-life balance

The Dentistry Census 2024 also found that seven in 10 (70%) practice principals report that they struggle to unwind after work, and just over one in four (27%) say they regularly feel insecure due to their work. 

It also reveals that one in five respondents say they have experienced suicidal thoughts.

Another symptom of these problems is substance abuse. The Dentists’ Health Support Trust estimates that one in five dentists drink alcohol every day, double the UK average of one in 10.

However, the census also suggests that the number of people who feel that their relationships have suffered because of work-related stress has fallen by 11% since 2021 (although this may be a result of the waning impact of the COVID-19 pandemic). 

Two-thirds (66%) of respondents say they have a good work-life balance, which is key to good mental health, although that figure drops to 58% for dentists, among whom we can also see a stark difference based on gender: 67% of men feel they have a good work-life balance compared to 45% of women. 

Workplace stress

While work-related issues may be a key factor in someone’s mental health, a person’s mind also exists outside of work. 

Every week, one in six of the general population report that they experience a common mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety
(Mind, 2020). 

But the Dentistry Census 2024 results suggest that there are clear additional work-related issues contributing to high levels of stress and other mental health issues. 

And aside from the importance of tackling mental health issues for the sake of the dental professional experiencing them, they can also have a serious impact on patient welfare. 

Numerous studies have shown the link between medical professionals’ wellbeing and the welfare of their patients. 

Poor mental health and increased levels of stress can have a negative impact on an individual’s ability to empathise and communicate with patients as well as effectively diagnose and treat them. Not only can this harm patients, but it can also lead to litigation, which is itself a highly stressful experience.

Advice

If you’re struggling, here are some suggestions from the Dentists’ Health Support Trust (DHST):

  • Dentistry is demanding, so try achieve a healthy work-life balance
  • If possible, increase your physical activity
  • Reduce alcohol consumption
  • When did you last have fun? If you can’t remember, you may need to look at your life and try to find some joy
  • Speak to someone you can trust. This could be a friend, a relative or a professional
  • Most areas now have self-referral NHS therapy services, or you could see your GP
  • If you’re unsure of where to turn, you could call DHST confidentially on 0207 2244671 or visit www.dentistshealthsupporttrust.org.

Seeking help

The first, and most important, thing to remember is that everyone has mental health, and most of us will experience mental health problems at some time in our lives. Mental health charity Mind estimates that one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some sort every year.

As a result of people with mental health problems being stigmatised for so long, a social problem we are starting to overcome, it is still common to respond to mental health problems with feelings of shame, guilt, weakness or despair, which can further compound
the problems. 

But there is nothing to be ashamed of. Mental health problems can affect anyone, and they are often treatable. 

There is no magic wand, of course. Many will find taking part in a form of talking therapy useful, while others may use antidepressants or other forms of prescribed medication to feel better. 

Everything from taking walks outside to eating healthily can improve our mental health. But everyone is different, and there should be no shame in trying different treatments until you find one that works for you. 

Vital support

One way we can all help is to open up about our own problems. This is especially true of people in positions of leadership, who can model to their employees that there is no weakness in admitting you are struggling. Similarly, taking time to talk to someone about mental health problems they are facing can make a world of difference. 

One positive finding of the most recent Dentistry Census 2024 was that 68% of respondents felt that they had access to mental health support, compared to just 49% in the Dentistry Census 2021. One means of support is helpline services designed specifically for people in the dental sector. 

‘When you’re experiencing mental health difficulties and addiction problems, support can change your life,’ says Richard Jones of the support available from the Dentists’ Health Support Trust. ‘While we can’t change the fast-moving, performance-driven requirements of dentistry, we can be there for dentists when they need someone to talk to during tough times.’ 

Confidental is another support service, offering a round-the-clock phone service operated on a voluntary basis by practising and retired dental professionals. ‘We’re here to listen and to help callers reach some kind of solution, which might be helping you find other services that can help as well,’ said John Lewis from Confidental. ‘It is completely non-judgemental, no one will tell you you’re rubbish or have done something wrong. It’s like your best friend, in a way.’

There are also more structural approaches that can be taken in a dental practice to ensure staff wellbeing is taken seriously. 

Mental health wellness lead

As part of its Mental Health Wellness in Dentistry Framework (2021), the Dental Professional Alliance urges workplaces to identify a mental health wellness lead (MHWL). These individuals, who should be effective communicators who are able to maintain a good relationship with both staff and managers, should be given the time and resources to promote good mental health in the workplace. Among their responsibilities, MHWLs should: 

  • Act as role models and encourage staff to feel comfortable discussing mental health issues
  • Promote positive mental health and help to end stigma
  • Signpost to relevant support for those who need it
  • Take mental health first aid training.

Action is needed

Whatever action you take to aid the mental health of yourself or others, it’s important to recognise that action is needed. Trying to sweep these problems under the carpet risks just making them worse. 

But the apparent root causes of many of the mental health issues reported in the dental profession will need to be addressed at a higher level. Before the recent general election, research by the Dental Defence Union (DDU) found that 96% of its members wanted politicians to make plans to support the health and wellbeing of dentists. 

At the time, DDU deputy head Leo Briggs said: ‘We urge the new government to roll up its sleeves and deliver for dental professionals. That includes prioritising support for their health and wellbeing, making sure the way they are regulated is fair, proportionate and timely and ensuring every pound possible is spent on patient care, rather than supporting an outdated legal regime for clinical
negligence claims.’

The message is clear: if we want our society to enjoy better dental health, it needs to do more to strengthen dental professionals’ mental health. 

Where to get help

Confidental

Samaritans

Mind

British Doctors and Dentists Group (addiction)

The Dentistry Census 2024 survey was conducted from April 2023 to August 2023 using the web platform Surveymonkey to collect data. It received 2,992 responses from across the UK dental profession. For the full results, visit www.dentistry.co.uk/census.

For references, email [email protected]

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