Overcoming imposter syndrome: from student to practice owner

Faye Mear explains how to understand, manage and overcome imposter syndrome at every stage of your dental career.

In the high-achieving world of dentistry, where clinical excellence meets business acumen and patient care, many professionals quietly grapple with a nagging internal voice: ‘I’m not good enough. I don’t belong here.’ 

This persistent self-doubt, known as imposter syndrome, affects individuals at all stages of their careers – from dental students to experienced practice owners. But what exactly is imposter syndrome, why is it so common in dentistry, and how can individuals manage it, both personally and professionally?

What is imposter syndrome?

First coined in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, imposter syndrome describes a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a ‘fraud’ – despite evidence of their competence. 

It’s not a mental illness, but a deeply ingrained sense of self-doubt, often accompanied by anxiety, perfectionism and a chronic fear of failure.

In dentistry, where dental professionals are expected to maintain technical precision, manage complex patient interactions, as well as navigating the business side of being in private practice, these pressures and responsibilities can feel very high. Falling into a patterns of negative thinking and self-doubt can have a detrimental impact on your performance, your ability to achieve your full potential as well as your job satisfaction. At its worst, it can lead to breakdown or burnout. 

The five types of imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome can come in different guises and Dr Valerie Young, an expert on the issue, identified five sub-types that illustrate how this kind of self-doubt can manifest in different personalities:

1. The perfectionist – sets excessively high goals and feels like a failure when anything falls short of 100%. Often plagued by anxiety and over-preparation
2. The superhuman – pushes themselves to work harder than everyone else to prove their worth, often at the expense of their wellbeing
3. The natural genius – believes their competence comes from innate talent. They believe they should get things right first time and any difficulties or setbacks are evidence of inadequacy
4. The soloist – feels they must accomplish everything alone. Asking for help is seen as a weakness or a sign of incompetence
5. The expert – measures competence by ‘how much’ they know. They constantly seek additional training or qualifications, worried they’ll be exposed for not knowing enough.

People with imposter syndrome tend to be intelligent high achievers and are also likely to be perfectionists – which I think sums up many dentists to a tee! 

You may identify with more than one of the above categories – which is not unusual, but understanding your type, or types, is a great first step towards recognising what’s going on for you.

Imposter syndrome and dental career stages

Imposter syndrome can strike at any time, and there will be times in your career when you may be particularly vulnerable. These tend to be when you’re facing a new challenge – it could be starting a new job, learning new skills or when encountering new situations. 

Dental students and new graduates

For dental students and new graduates, some typical thoughts include: ‘Everyone here is smarter than me’ and ‘What if I mess up this restoration?’

Imposter syndrome can be particularly acute at these stages of your career because everything is new! The pressure to get a place at dental school is incredible – there are 1,100 UK places and approximately 9,000 applicants each year – so the expectations are high before you even start to study. 

Next, the transition from theoretical knowledge to clinical application is daunting. Constant assessment, comparison with your peers and the pressure to perform in front of supervisors can leave students feeling like they don’t belong.

Typical imposter types at this time can be the ‘natural genius’ and the ‘expert’, but remember most students and graduates feel this way. Talking to your peers honestly will probably reveal exactly this and will reduce feelings of isolation, for you and them. 

It’s also a good idea to keep a record of your progress that you can use to reflect how far you have come and seeking constructive, regular feedback from tutors, trainers and mentors will help you maintain realistic self-assessment and boost your confidence.

Early-career dentists and associates

For early-career dentists and associates, some typical thoughts include: ‘Am I really ready to treat patients on my own?’ and ‘What if a patient complains?’

Newly qualified dentists, especially associates in private practice, often face increased autonomy and responsibility, yet may still feel ill-equipped. They may question their clinical decisions, second-guess treatment plans and fear they don’t know enough and that they’re not up to the job.

Complex cases, difficult patients plus comparisons with senior colleagues, as well as your peers, can be common triggers giving rise to the ‘perfectionist’ or the ‘soloist’ type feelings. Even if it’s not pro-offered by your practice, actively seeking out a trusted senior colleague for debrief after challenging cases will build your resilience and confidence. 

Use any discussion groups you are part of as an opportunity for shared learning and collaboration, rather than a place to shame yourself or others. Accept that perfection is not possible, but progress is and mistakes and uncertainty are a natural part of learning and growth. 

Mid-career and practice owners

As a mid-career dentist or practice owner, you might be thinking: ‘Why do I still feel like I don’t know enough?’ or ‘I run a successful practice – why can’t I enjoy it?’

Experienced dentists aren’t immune to imposter syndrome and feelings can actually intensify with success. Those who become practice owners or principals will have leadership responsibilities, staff management and financial pressures, plus the weight of having an established reputation that must be protected means feeling like the ‘superhuman’ or the ‘expert’ is understandable. 

Just because you are an experienced clinician does not give you automatic business acumen, so seeking external support through business coaching and other professional services is a must. 

You do not have to do everything! Build a practice team around you whom you trust and who have a range of skills and outsource to specialist businesses for areas you are lacking, such as marketing, finance and legal.  

Delegating to your team and to specialist professionals will lighten your load of responsibility. Adopt a culture of appreciation within your team, to acknowledge support and celebrate wins together – and include yourself in that, too.

Dismantle the illusion

It is important to realise that many people commonly experience imposter syndrome, but they can manage it. Understanding the different types and recognising how it can manifest means you can begin to dismantle the illusion of fraudulence. 

Being a good dentist isn’t about being perfect or ever doubting yourself – it’s about constantly showing up, learning, adapting, growing and continuing to care. 

And finally, know that a true imposter would never worry. The very fact you have these feelings and concerns means you are most definitely not the imposter!

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