To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2025, Elena Eu from Bupa reminds us that wellbeing is at the heart of every dental practice.
In my role, I work closely with Bupa professionals and managers, supporting them to thrive in their careers and their personal lives. With a background in mental health, I’ve seen how small, everyday gestures – the way we speak, listen, and lead – can make a big difference to our overall wellbeing and shape a supportive culture.
How to spot mental health challenges early
Mental health challenges don’t always announce themselves and they don’t always look the same. A colleague who’s usually upbeat might seem withdrawn. Someone might brush off tiredness, when in fact they’re struggling with sleep. A usually organised colleague could suddenly appear distracted or overwhelmed.
In a busy dental practice, these changes can be easy to miss. That’s why it’s important to stay connected and check in early. You don’t need to be an expert – sometimes the most supportive step is simply noticing and asking, ‘Are you okay?’
Over the years, I’ve learned that mental health can show up in many ways. It might be through thoughts, like constant worry or forgetfulness, or through emotions, such as feeling low, anxious or guilty. It can manifest through physical health, like unexplained fatigue or chest pain, and through behaviour, from changes in sleep to withdrawing from others.
When we pay attention to these signals, we give colleagues a chance to feel seen and supported before things become overwhelming.
Having the conversation
It can feel daunting to ask someone about their wellbeing. We worry about saying the wrong thing or not having the answers. However, people rarely expect solutions, they just want to know they’re not alone.
When someone opens up about their mental health, how you respond matters. Choosing a quiet space, setting aside distractions, and simply being present can make the conversation feel safe. Asking open questions such as ‘How have you been feeling lately?’ or ‘Would you like to talk?’ and listening with empathy, without rushing to fix things, helps builds trust.
The words we use matter. A throw-away comment like ‘Just toughen up’ might seem harmless, but it can unintentionally dismiss someone’s experience. A simple ‘I’ve noticed you’re not yourself – do you want to talk?’ can open the door to support. It also helps define a culture where people feel comfortable being honest about how they’re really doing.
Embedding mental health awareness into daily practice life
Supporting mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about consistent small actions that show people they matter.
In a dental practice environment, you could start the day with a team huddle to quickly check in and ask about workload and how people are feeling. You may want to share your own coping strategies and encourage self-care to normalise conversations. It’s also important to make sure resources like employee assistance programmes are clearly signposted and accessible so support is never far away. These examples might feel small, but their impact is cumulative.
Finding support
Whether you’re supporting a colleague or seeking help yourself, there are trusted organisations and tools available to guide you:
- Mind: www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans: www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- Employee assistance programmes (EAPs) also provide confidential help for both employees and managers.
At Bupa Dental Care, we’ve introduced additional resource to make wellbeing support accessible for our teams. This includes a new dedicated webinar series, Navigating Tough Topics, led by our GPs and therapists, offering safe and supportive space for people managers to explore complex workplace conversations, around mental health, bereavement, and more.
Supporting mental health – together
Mental health touches every one of us. A kind word, a check-in, or simply offering space to listen can make a big difference. By looking out for each other and creating a caring culture, dental teams can thrive both professionally and personally.
For more information on careers at Bupa, you can visit: jobs.bupadentalcare.co.uk.
Read more from this series:
- Supporting those experiencing bereavement in the dental workplace
- Managing TMD, bruxism and TMJ disorders in general practice
- Supporting lifelong oral health from the very first visit
- Why learning is key to a healthier, happier mind – at any age
- Why your gums matter for your overall health.
This article is sponsored by Bupa Dental Care.
