How to Thrive in Dentistry

In the fast-paced world of dentistry, managing stress as a dentist can be difficult. With seemingly never shrinking workloads, there's much stress for the modern day dentist and it's easy to neglect the most vital element of your practice: you ! The everyday demands of managing anxious patients, providing quality care, keeping a smooth workflow and seemingly constantly increasing dental appointments, as well as handling unexpected stressors, can affect your overall wellbeing. Prioritising self-care isn't just practical, it's crucial. By focusing on your mental and physical health, you can develop resilience, increase happiness, and provide even better patient care.

Here, we share practical strategies to help you manage anxiety and stress by integrating self-care into your daily routine, while cultivating a positive mindset to thrive in your career a dental professional.

Establishing healthy boundaries is vital for sustaining work-life balance in dentistry. As dental professionals, learning to say no when necessary is not just empowering but indispensable. 

In dental practices, it can be tempting to take on extra responsibilities, especially when short-staffed, but overcommitting can quickly lead to chronic workplace stress and eventually burnout. By being assertive and recognising your limits, you can conserve your energy and reduce the risk of workplace stress. Whether postponing a challenging case, limiting interactions with dental anxiety or declining additional shifts, knowing when to step back can save you from becoming overwhelmed - as well as create a better dental experience for your patients.

Scheduling in personal time is another crucial element to protect your wellbeing. Simple activities such as catching up with friends, taking a walk, or immersing yourself in a hobby can rejuvenate you and enable you to return to work refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. Making sure to remove yourself from your dental environment is key to being able to seperate yourself from work.

Additionally, explore other strategies for enhancing your wellbeing by incorporating goal-setting and self-reflection techniques into your routine.

Mindfulness is a simple yet effective tool that can help dental practitioners manage stress and improve emotional regulation. Even with a packed schedule, incorporating mindfulness into your routine can create the mental space needed to navigate the demands of clinical work. One quick technique to practice is mindful breathing: inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and then exhale for four seconds. In just 16 seconds you can reset your focus and feel more centred.

Integrating small moments of mindfulness throughout your day, even between appointments, can go a long way into thriving in dentistry. Whether you're on a break or commuting to your clinic, dedicating just five to ten minutes of mindful activities – like walking meditation or deep breathing – can improve your ability to manage pressure, stress, boost your energy levels, and build emotional resilience over time.

Burnout is all too common among dental practitioners, making it crucial to recognise the early signs before they escalate. One valuable but simple strategy is to speak up . Dental professionals tend to have a fear about opening up, but recognising and seeking help when facing challenges - or simply checking in with a colleague or supervisor - can equip you with the support and guidance needed to overcome them.

Dr Kaejenn Tchia, a dentist who faced burnout, took the hard step of telling his boss about what he was experiencing. “They actually started guiding me and allowing me to take my time with my patients to build my confidence again,” he said. 

Another key to preventing burnout is designing a daily routine that nurtures mental and physical health. Incorporating mindful practices, regular exercise and scheduled downtime can assist you not just in maintaining your wellbeing but also in enhancing it. These small yet effective actions can have a lasting impact on your overall health.

For further techniques and insights, dive into Dr Kaejenn Tchia’s guide to beating burnout or read Dr Erica Hwin's reflections on her own personal journey of how she was able to overcome burnout.

In the demanding environment of modern dentistry, prioritising self-care and mental well-being is crucial for a long, healthy and sustained career. When a dental team is stressed, professional performance and personal health are affected. So what are some simple self care tips that you can add into your day to help relax and better manage workplace stress?

Adding micro-breaks throughout your schedule can make a big difference in your day-to-day and overall wellbeing. A simple minute of focused, diaphragmatic breathing or a brief stretch can significantly reduce physical and mental strain. Another simple way to practice self care is to establish a consistent evening routine that intentionally disconnects you from work-related stressors (such as leaving charts at the office or setting communication boundaries). Victoria's Right to Disconnect legislation was considered ground breaking when first introduced because it empowers workers by creating explicit boundaries that help shift workplace expectations and promote a healthier work-life balance - things that are key to tackling burnout and mental health.

Simple relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness exercises or listening to calming music during non-patient interaction times, can help regulate the nervous system and prevent burnout, meaning that you can instead focus on providing high-quality patient care.

You are not alone in navigating these challenges. At Dental Practitioner Support, we are here to listen and guide you through any issues you may face. Explore our resources to discover how we can support your mental health and wellbeing. If you are ready to talk, call us anytime on 1800 377 700. We are here for you, 24/7, offering confidential support whenever you need it.