Mental health challenges are prevalent in the field of dentistry – and are driven by various pressures, says Anushika Brogan.
One significant challenge in dentistry is the pressure to meet targets. For NHS dentists, there are set targets to meet and private dentists also face daily rate targets, understandably as businesses have expenses that they must fulfil. Hitting these targets can be manageable but falling short can be highly stressful. There may be financial implications but, in addition, failure to hit the targets can make the dentist feel inadequate.
It is crucial to seek help and not just hope the situation will improve on its own. Taking a proactive approach, by engaging with colleagues, seeking support and attending relevant courses, can provide valuable assistance in managing these pressures.
Litigation fears
Another major stressor is the fear of litigation. A recent round table discussion with the General Dental Council (GDC) highlighted that only about 2% of cases result in fitness to practice proceedings, which is a very low percentage.
Despite this, the fear of facing such proceedings can lead to overly defensive practices, which can negatively affect patient care. Efforts are underway by collaboration with organisations like the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) to address this issue and shift perceptions.
The introduction of new technology, such as AI-driven note-taking systems, promises to reduce the burden on dentists by accurately recording patient interactions and lowering litigation risks. This, in turn, will reduce the anxiety associated with potential legal challenges.
Patient complaints
Complaints from patients also significantly impact mental health. Early in my career, I encountered a stressful situation with a patient from a different cultural background, which I later realised was due to the tone in which people of this culture spoke to everyone.
This experience was both intimidating and challenging, particularly because I was still building my confidence in dentistry and patient interactions. Many young dentists might face similar situations without adequate support, leading to increased stress and fear of complaints.
The best approach to handling complaints is to assess if there was something wrong and to strive for improvement. Self reflection and aiming for improvement are better strategies than defensive reactions, such as denying fault. Mentorship and guidance can greatly benefit younger professionals. It is scary when you first start out!
Continuous self improvement helps maintain mental wellbeing and enhances professional development.
Overcoming mental health
Exercise is a key factor in managing stress. The endorphins released during physical activity are beneficial for mental health. Given the sedentary nature of dental work, it is important to get outside and move. Exercise not only alleviates stress but also improves overall mood and wellbeing.
Gender bias
The challenges faced by female business owners in dentistry often intersect with issues of gender bias and imposter syndrome. Historically, fewer women have owned dental practices, though this is changing.
There is still a significant gender bias, with some outdated views suggesting women are less committed due to potential maternity leave.
Such biases need to be addressed to support women in dentistry fully. For instance, I have experienced instances where people expressed reluctance to hire women, assuming they would leave for family reasons.
Overcoming these biases and promoting equality is essential for reducing stress and supporting female practitioners. Transparent conversations about work-life balance and shared responsibilities at home can also help in managing these issues.
Symptoms of stress
Recognising stress and burnout involves looking out for various signs. People under stress might cry, be off sick regularly or show visible unhappiness.
Regular one-on-one meetings and check ins are crucial to identify these issues early. Overworking, lack of breaks, and increased complaints from patients or the team are also indicators that someone may need support.
Providing a supportive environment and addressing these signs can help to manage mental health effectively in the dental profession.
Read more of Anushika’s Balancing Life in Dentistry column:
- The importance of boundaries
- Managing imposter syndrome
- Why are there fewer businesswomen in dentistry?
- Advice for the next generation of businesswomen
- A week in the life of a dental businesswoman.
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