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When burnout hits, asking for time off can seem daunting – Sarah McKimm shares why speaking up matters and how to do it without guilt. The scenario I’m a dentist in my early 50s working at a busy mixed practice four days a week. Lately, I’ve been feeling completely drained by the work, both mentally…
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This month, Sarah McKimm responds to a reader struggling with a patient complaint and offers practical steps to manage the mental toll. The scenario I’ve just received notification from the GDC that a patient has submitted a complaint about their orthodontic treatment. What’s frustrating is that the patient had voiced some concerns during one of…
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Sarah McKimm tackles the problem of workplace bullying, and reveals the steps she would take towards reclaiming control and resolution. The scenario I’ve been working at my dental practice as a hygienist for six months and I’ve been experiencing workplace bullying from a more senior colleague. It’s been going on for some time, and I…
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Sarah McKimm considers a case of imposter syndrome and how newly-qualified dental professionals can reframe their anxieties into positivity. The scenario I am a recent dental graduate and am six months into my first job as a foundation dentist. I was really excited to start but it’s proving really difficult, and I am constantly questioning…
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Sarah McKimm offers up her practical tips and coping strategies for dental professionals who may be struggling to control their alcohol use. The scenario I never thought I’d be in this situation, but I’m really struggling to control my drinking. I started noticing it in the lead-up to Christmas last year. At the time, I…
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Introducing our new columnist, Sarah McKimm, who will share her practical tips, professional insights and coping strategies. Hello and welcome to the very first edition of Chairside Chats! I’m Sarah – a qualified counsellor with more than 20 years of experience in the dental profession – and I’m here to offer a space where we…
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Sarah Mckimm discusses her journey from dental nurse to counsellor, the daily challenges that dental nurses face and her advice to those who are struggling. I’m Sarah, and I’m a qualified dental nurse registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and a counsellor qualified to degree level. I’m also a registered member of the British…
