Mental Health and Wellness in Dentistry
New dentists are impacted as well . One study looked at new dental graduates with experience between six months and five years postgraduation . In this group , some of the top factors associated with burnout were identified . New dentists reported feeling less energy and less time for family and friends . There were feelings of frustration with work . Dentists who experienced burnout felt that every working hour was tiring , felt worn out at the end of the working day and at the end of the day . Additional factors associated with burnout were emotional exhaustion and feeling exhausted in the morning at the thought of another day at work .
Furthermore , anxiety in dentists is increasing . In comparing the results of the nationwide ADA survey , the rate of anxiety tripled between 2003 and 2021 . Anxiety is associated with feeling nervous or on edge , experiencing uncontrollable worrying or worrying excessively about many different things . When feeling anxious , one might have trouble relaxing and experience the inability to sit still . One manifestation of anxiety is becoming more easily annoyed or irritable , or having ongoing fear or sense as if something awful might happen .
Depression is also a concern when discussing dentists ’ mental health . Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of low mood , feeling down , or even hopeless . One might experience little interest or pleasure in doing things , eating , or sleeping too much or too little , feeling bad about oneself or experiencing an overwhelming sense of guilt . Depression can also manifest with trouble concentrating or paying attention to things , speaking , or moving slowly , and even thoughts that you might be better off dead or thinking of hurting yourself in some way .
The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have taken a toll on the profession as well . Ongoing research by the ADA and American Dental Hygienists ’ Association showed that In November 2020 , 17 % of dentists and 28 % of dental hygienists reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety , which declined to about 12 % for both professions in May 2021 . Reported depression reached 10 % among dentists and 17 % among dental hygienists in December 2020 before declining to about 8 % for both professions in May 2021 . Fortunately , it appears as though mental health is responsive to the environment and many dentists are adapting in this post-pandemic era .
We cannot overlook that colleagues in the dental hygienist , dental assistant , administrative , and clerical staff are prone to the same stressors . Arguably , as clinical team leaders , directors , or practice owners , dentists not only have the power but also a responsibility to help monitor stress , burnout and the mental health of their coworkers and employees . As we emerge from the stressors of the last few years , dentists can begin to cultivate a culture of wellness for their peers and staff as well . By drawing upon Shanafelt ’ s ( et al .) paradigm of Wellness-Centered Leadership in the medical field , dentists similarly may find inspiration in changing their work environments . The model is a framework that helps medical professionals in leadership positions make a positive impact in their workplace . This includes finding ways to adopt the core fundamental principles of always caring about people , cultivating individual relationships , cultivating the team relationship , and methodically inspiring change .
Effective management of workplace-related stress , burnout , anxiety , depression cannot be accomplished in isolation . While community , a healthy and supportive workplace , and colleagues play a large role in fostering wellness at work , we cannot ignore the reality that mental illness
22 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL