Tackling burnout as an orthodontic therapist

Sara Jalloul explores why burnout is a growing issue amongst orthodontic therapists and how to manage it.

Orthodontic therapy is a rewarding yet physically and mentally demanding profession. While helping patients achieve healthier, more confident smiles is fulfilling, the pressures of high patient loads, repetitive clinical work and maintaining precision in every treatment can take a toll.

This issue has been exacerbated by workforce shortages, increasing patient expectations, and evolving clinical demands. A recent discussion within the Orthodontic Therapist Network UK highlighted growing concerns about fatigue, stress and difficulty maintaining a sustainable work-life balance.

The good news? Burnout isn’t permanent. With the right strategies, it’s possible to regain energy, passion and balance in your career. Orthodontic therapists who have experienced burnout have found that adjusting schedules, prioritising self-care and seeking support led them to feel even more fulfilled in their work.

This article explores the signs of burnout, its impact on orthodontic therapists and patient care, and practical strategies to prevent and manage it.

Recognising the signs of burnout

Burnout often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook the early warning signs. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue despite adequate rest
• Increased irritability or reduced patience with patients and colleagues
• Feeling disengaged or less passionate about work
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, or disrupted sleep patterns
• Reduced ability to concentrate or stay motivated.

Ignoring these signs can lead to emotional exhaustion, declining job performance, and even long-term health complications.

Why is burnout a growing issue in orthodontic therapy?

Several factors contribute to burnout within the profession:

1. High patient volume: many orthodontic therapists work in fast-paced environments, often seeing multiple patients per hour, leaving little to no time for breaks
2. Physical strain: the repetitive nature of clinical work increases the risk of musculoskeletal issues, particularly in the back, neck and hands
3. Limited career progression: unlike dentists, orthodontic therapists have fewer clear pathways for career advancement. Limited opportunities for additional training, mentorship or skill diversification can lead to professional stagnation
4. Lack of work-life balance: many orthodontic therapists work full-time (or more), making it difficult to manage personal responsibilities or recharge. The expectation to take on extra shifts or work beyond scheduled hours can further contribute to stress
5. Emotional toll: managing patient expectations and treatment challenges can be mentally draining. Difficult conversations – whether about treatment progress, compliance or financial concerns – add additional stress.

These challenges are compounded by staff shortages and increasing demand from employers, making burnout a growing concern across the profession.

Strategies to prevent and manage burnout

Adjusting work schedules

• Consider adjusting clinical hours to incorporate self-care time
• Negotiate flexible working arrangements with your employer, such as longer but fewer days or spacing out patient appointments to allow for breaks
• Set realistic patient targets to ensure quality care without excessive workload pressure.

Prioritising physical health and practising self-care

• Incorporate stretching and strength training into your routine to prevent posture-related issues and support musculoskeletal health
• Optimise ergonomics by investing in proper seating, loupes and magnification to reduce physical strain
• Adjust patient chair positioning and utilise indirect vision techniques to minimise neck and wrist strain
• Take short movement breaks between patients to improve circulation and maintain long-term musculoskeletal health
• Nurture overall wellbeing with a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and meaningful time spent with loved ones
• Engage in hobbies, relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices to manage stress and maintain mental wellbeing
• Try the ‘five-minute reset’: between patients, take five deep breaths, stretch or step outside for a moment of fresh air. Small breaks can prevent mental and physical fatigue.

Seeking professional support

• If stress and exhaustion persist, speaking with a mentor, professional coach, or mental health specialist can provide valuable coping strategies.
• Practices should consider offering workplace wellness initiatives, such as stress management workshops or regular check-ins with staff.

Setting boundaries

• Learning to say ‘no’ to excessive workloads or extra shifts is essential for maintaining long-term health
• If your schedule is consistently overbooked, have an open discussion with your employer about realistic and sustainable patient loads
• Try the ‘two-yes’ rule: before agreeing to extra work, ask yourself: Do I genuinely have the capacity to take this on? And will it benefit my wellbeing or career in a meaningful way? If the answer is no to both, it’s okay to decline.

Connecting with peers

• Attending industry events, study clubs or CPD courses can help orthodontic therapists feel re-energised and professionally motivated
• Engaging in professional forums provides an opportunity to share experiences and support each other
• Audit your schedule: take note of when you feel most drained. Is it after seeing a certain number of patients? Post-lunchtime? Identifying patterns can help you adjust your workload more effectively.

The need for research

While burnout in dentistry is widely acknowledged, there is limited research specifically addressing orthodontic therapists – a profession with unique challenges, such as high patient loads, repetitive tasks and limited career progression pathways.

To bridge this gap, a research team at Edge Hill University is conducting a study to examine the working patterns and job satisfaction of orthodontic therapists in the UK.

If you are an orthodontic therapist working in the UK, you can support this research by participating in a short online survey here (this takes approximately 10-15 minutes). As a thank you, participants can enter a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

The findings will help shape recommendations for employers, educators and policymakers to improve workplace conditions for orthodontic therapists. The first step toward meaningful change is data collection, so if you’re eligible, please take part. Your input could help create a more sustainable and fulfilling career path for orthodontic therapists across the UK.

Keeping the conversation going

Burnout is a significant issue affecting many dentists and DCPs, including orthodontic therapists, but with proactive strategies it can be managed and prevented. Employers also play a crucial role in creating a supportive work environment that prioritises staff wellbeing.

By recognising the early signs of burnout and implementing practical changes, we can sustain long and fulfilling careers while maintaining physical and mental health. Investing in wellbeing not only benefits us but also enhances the quality of patient care and overall job satisfaction within the profession.

As a profession, we must advocate for sustainable working conditions, ongoing professional growth and wellbeing initiatives that support both practitioners and patients. Change starts with open conversations – so let’s keep the discussion going.

If this article resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you manage stress and workload as an orthodontic therapist? Let’s support each other in building sustainable and rewarding careers.

Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.