Dentists at Breaking Point

A strong body of research evidence illustrates that mental health issues are evident and continuing to grow amongst dental students and qualified dental professionals.

Many dentists in training and those in clinical practice report anxiety, exhaustion, stress, and depression, by comparison to other professions and the general population. It has been long-debated that dentists are at increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide. Even at a glance, research seems to show that there are worrying numbers of dentists both contemplating and making active attempts to die by suicide. This is a stark reminder that dentistry, sometimes misunderstood in terms of the pressures it involves, requires a considered and compassionate response.

The British Dental Association (BDA) in 2023 released research that revealed that 68% of general dental practice owners and 47% of community dentists report their morale as low or very low. According to the UK Dental Census released in October 2024, 52% of the dental professionals surveyed admitted to seeking help for mental health issues. This represents a 21% increase from 2021.

While doctors, nurses, and other clinical health professionals are notoriously under significant pressure, dentists face a blend of challenges. These in turn are having a detrimental impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

The Impact on Mental and Emotional Health

Dentists, as trusted professionals, are frequently confided in by their patients. They must navigate patient anxieties, particularly dentophobia (fear of the dentist), which is widespread. Alongside this, dentists are tasked with managing patient demands, frustrations, and even aggressive behaviour. They must regularly adjust patient expectations as they respond to potentially unrealistic expectations. The emotional labour involved in holding patient distress, demands, and displeasure on an ongoing basis, can certainly take its toll.

Dental practitioners can also experience feelings of isolation. More specifically, a dentist working within a solo practice may not have the same team-based support structure that other healthcare professionals’ benefit from. This, together with working long hours, can intensify feelings of loneliness. It is important to note that they may already be feeling the effects of personal issues, like any human being.

These factors (and more) can erode mental health and emotional wellbeing. If having this experience, some dentists may be reluctant to speak up. This is not only because of continuing stigma around mental health, but also, for fear of being seen as unfit-to-practice.

The Impact on the Body

Not surprisingly, dental professionals are significantly affected physiologically. Many, work in a confined space, some with reduced natural light, and for extended periods of time. They are required to hold a static posture in their work. The result is alarmingly high rates of musculoskeletal disorders and body pain. For example, research by Bhatia and associates (2024) reported that 92% of dental practitioners suffered from bodily pain in areas that include the neck, shoulders, hands, lower back, wrists, and fingers.

Other ailments that pose a risk include potential eye injury, neuropathy induced by vibration, risk of infection from patients, contact dermatitis and even hearing loss from equipment.

Pressure to Perform

Dentists self-report that time pressure is one of the most common stressors. There is also some debate about the role of time pressure in diagnostic decisions and treatment plans. Practitioners also face the weight of pressure to perform well. This is partly due to careful clinical decisions needing to be made, repeatedly, round the clock.

However, many dental procedures also require meticulous concentration. This work also involves the repeated use of fine motor skills. The technical precision needed for such procedures can mean that making a mistake (or holding the fear of making a mistake) can increase feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, and perfectionism.

Administrative and Financial Strain

For those who own a dental business, the costs of running a dental practice are substantial, with equipment, staff salaries, and clinic maintenance amongst expenses consuming revenue at ravenous pace. The BDA in 2024 documented that ‘70% of all practice owners reported financial concerns about their practice’. Of those not fully in private practice 66% shared they ‘are stressed from financial pressures due to unviability of NHS and High Street dentistry. As a result, many are considering downsizing, and some have considered leaving the profession entirely.

It’s apparent that balancing quality patient care with business survival is tricky. Many dentists find themselves working late to manage both patient load and administrative tasks, inviting burnout.

So, What Can Be Done?

There’s no doubt that the statistics and aggravating factors paint a grim picture. Clearly, some systemic change is needed. However, despite this, all is not lost. There are positive things that can be done by dental health professionals in the interim to improve things.

Acknowledge the Issue

It is vital to notice the stressors and the progressive impact they are having. Naming these as early as possible is essential.
Fear of being judged by peers or being seen as professionally inadequate can prevent many dental professionals and students from speaking out, leaving them to suffer in silence. However, there is no shame in admitting to oneself, or to others, that you are struggling. In fact, this is a substantial early step towards reclaiming resilience.

Build a Culture of Mental Health Awareness

It is important to build a safe work environment that facilitates transparent, non-judgemental attitudes about the mental health and wellbeing of dental practitioners and their teams. Co-creating and supporting a psychologically safe workplace culture where difficulties can be discussed, and where actionable solutions can be implemented is powerful.

It can be useful to seek external services to facilitate this and alleviate the pressure dental professionals in ownership/leadership roles. (More on this is specified below).

Practice Respect and Empathy

Dentists and dental students, like all healthcare professionals and human beings, deserve support systems that address their holistic wellbeing. Encouraging respectful and empathetic conversations about mental health within the profession is crucial. This is not only at the practice level but systemically too.

Implement Strong Support Systems

Experiences such as burnout are cumulative, which means that support, if accessed early, can prevent individuals from arriving at burnout. External support such as psychotherapy, integrated or therapeutic coaching, mental health training, peer support groups, and provision of specific work wellbeing workshops are vital.
These systems can help to further minimise stigma and enhance healthy clinical workplace culture.

Promote and Protect Work-Life Balance

As it is for most, establishing a balance between personal and professional life is key. It is important to ensure that all dental professionals have access to flexible working contracts to avoid long hours. It also matters that proper breaks are provided, offering opportunities for exercise, relief and movement.

In summary, the mental health challenges facing dental professionals are serious and need attention. The mix of clinical, emotional, and financial pressures can lead to stress, anxiety, burnout and even suicidal ideation/suicide. By continuing to promote mental health awareness within dentistry, offering tailored supportive resources, and encouraging work-life balance, we can help dentists and dentistry students not to just cope, but to thrive. Supporting their wellbeing is key to ensuring a healthier, more sustainable profession.

To find out more about integrated coaching for dental owners and dentistry leaders , contact us by email at [email protected]. Or book a free-no obligation discovery call by clicking here.