Sarah McKimm draws on her personal experience with ADHD to advise dental professionals on navigating neurodiversity in both themselves and colleagues.
Two weeks ago, I came back from holiday with the intention of writing my monthly Chairside Chats column straight away. My mind was constantly thinking about it but instead of getting started I found myself sidetracked in every direction but the one I needed.
Half-finished tasks, impulsive online purchases and social media doom scrolling seemingly made sense at the time. However, on reflection I was looking for dopamine and swallowing up hours of my days. The deadline loomed and I was stuck.
If you’re neurodivergent or if you work alongside colleagues or patients who are, you might recognise this pattern. Deadlines, whether clinical or administrative, are a huge and vital part of dentistry. Treatment plans, audits, decontamination cycles, CPD logs, ordering stock, CQC inspections – the list is endless. And yet, for those of us with ADHD, the relationship with deadlines can be complicated.
Why does ADHD complicate deadlines?
On one hand, a deadline can sharpen focus. The urgency brings clarity and motivation. On the other, it can trigger paralysis, dysregulation, and a wave of shame. The pressure to ‘just get it done’ can become overwhelming, especially in environments like dentistry where precision, timing, and responsibility are non-negotiable.
As someone who has worked across orthodontics, oral surgery and endodontics, and who is now also a therapist, I can see both sides. I know the importance of systems, structure and accountability. I’m also let in on the internal battles that can’t always be seen, the critical inner voice that says: ‘You’ve failed, you’re not good enough’, even when outwardly everything appears in order.
I remind my clients, and myself, that knowing the strategies doesn’t always mean implementing them with ease. ADHD brains crave dopamine, which is why laundry, shopping, or reorganising can suddenly feel urgent, while the real task is left undone. The trick is finding ways to work with the brain rather than against it.
Strategies for managing ADHD
Today, my solution is gamification. I use a time management method called the Pomodoro Technique to break my writing time into 25 minutes of focused work followed by five minutes of movement. I also put on a music station that keeps the dopamine flowing without requiring me to make choices. It’s not perfect, but it works.
The same approach applies chairside. Whether it’s breaking down a treatment plan into manageable steps for a patient, dividing a large audit into smaller goals for the team, or allowing ourselves compassion when we need to regulate before tackling tasks. It’s the small, structured steps that help us cross the finish line.
So as I sit here writing, I choose to meet myself with empathy, not shame. I celebrate the resilience it takes to keep showing up in a profession that demands so much. And I remind myself, and you, that perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is.
Deadlines will always exist in dentistry. For those of us with ADHD, they may forever be both ally and adversary. But with self-understanding, support from colleagues, and a willingness to adapt, we can honour our different ways of working without losing sight of the care and professionalism at the heart of our roles.
How can you help neurodivergent colleagues?
If you work with neurodivergent colleagues, here are a few simple ways you can help ease the deadline dance:
- Break big tasks into smaller, time-accountable steps – ‘complete section A by Tuesday’ feels more achievable than ‘finish the whole audit by next week’
- Provide clarity upfront – ADHD brains thrive on structure, so clear instructions, written reminders, and agreed timelines can make all the difference
- Offer flexibility where possible – allowing someone to approach a task in their own way (for example, with micro-deadlines or movement breaks) can boost productivity
- Lead with empathy, not judgement – sometimes what looks like procrastination is actually overwhelm. Meeting this with understanding and curiosity can reduce shame and improve outcomes.
And perhaps most importantly, recognise that neurodivergent strengths such as creativity, problem-solving and hyperfocus bring enormous value to a dental team when supported well.
As for me, the column is now written – one pomodoro at a time!
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