Addressing mental health challenges in dentistry: It's time to build resilience

Mental health challenges are on the rise in the field of dentistry. FMC’s Dentistry Census 2024 reported that more than half of dental practitioners struggle to unwind after work, which negatively impacts their mental health.

Various factors, such as the pressure of establishing and managing a successful dental practice, a lack of job opportunities after graduation, high fee structures, and others, can create a stressful environment for dentists. These challenges ultimately impact dentists’ personal and professional lives in various ways.

It is time to explore ways to safeguard the well-being of those who strive to create the perfect smile for their patients.

What are the different ways to manage mental health challenges in the profession?

The first step towards finding a solution is to identify and acknowledge the problem. It is important to recognise these issues early to prevent them from worsening. It is time to destigmatise the taboo around mental health.

Interventions at various levels, such as individual, organisational, and national, are needed to manage these challenges effectively. This will help dentists develop the resilience needed for the profession.

At the individual level:

Cultivating empathy for yourself is essential for your well-being and effectiveness as a dentist.

Managing a dental practice can be pretty stressful. Effective stress management is essential to ensure it does not affect your clinical work. Dr Amit Gaba, a practising dentist from Punjab, shares some of the strategies he adopts in his lifestyle and clinical practice to manage stress:

1. Regular meditation practice, along with deep breathing exercises.
2. Emphasising self-care through regular exercise at the gym, a healthy diet, and sufficient sleep.
3. Adopting healthy work habits, such as taking regular breaks, managing time effectively, and breaking down large tasks.
4. Striving to create a supportive environment by communicating effectively with the staff.
5. Seeking help from friends, family, or professionals whenever necessary.

In addition to this, several practical approaches shared by organisational psychologist Vishal Goyal from Delhi can be adopted by professionals.

For managing burnout and long hours:

1. Micro-rests can replace long breaks; a few minutes of deep breathing, stretching, or fresh air can help reduce stress hormones.
2. Creating mental shift boundaries by establishing a ritual, like listening to music or journaling, to signal the end of your workday and separate work from personal time.
3. Energy banking – treating rest like a prescription, using 20-minute naps, hydration, and healthy snacks as mini refuels instead of pushing through fatigue.

For emotional load and patient pressure:

1. Debriefing spaces, such as peer support circles or brief 5-minute venting sessions, enable individuals to share their feelings before they become overwhelming.
2. Emotional compartmentalisation can be beneficial. Self-talk such as, “I gave my best during this shift; now I can let today go” helps prevent bringing patient stories home.
3. Therapeutic writing – journaling patient encounters (without breaching confidentiality) helps process difficult emotions instead of bottling them up.

For sustaining resilience:

1. Compassion maintenance – practising self-compassion prevents compassion fatigue. Replace harsh self-talk like “I should have done more” with “I did what was possible with the resources I had today.”
2. Professional boundaries – learning to say no when overloaded (where possible) is vital for long-term sustainability.
3. Institutional advocacy – encouraging healthcare systems to normalise rest breaks, mental health support groups, and counselling access.

At the organisational level:

Incorporating content on mental health, resilience, and practice management into the dental curriculum is essential.

FDI encourages dental educational institutions to:

1. Develop support resources such as online counselling services and helplines for dental students facing mental health challenges.
2. Equip students with essential knowledge and skills to safeguard their mental health during their studies and future careers.
3. Introduce concepts related to mental health and stress management skills into the curriculum to prepare students for the realities of practice management and the stressors that come with it.

In a study conducted at a dental college in Iowa, participating students were offered counselling sessions with psychologists. Students who attended their counselling appointments reported improved overall functioning and psychological well-being.

The educational programmes conducted during the study obtained positive results. They increased students’ awareness, knowledge, and coping skills.

At the national level:

FDI encourages dental associations at national and international levels, in cooperation with other relevant stakeholders, to:

1. Raise awareness on the importance of mental health for dental professionals and students.
2. Create accessible support resources for dental professionals and students facing mental health challenges (through virtual counselling, helplines, well-being support, community forums).
3. Take a proactive approach to foster discussions about mental health with the dental team through various platforms (online, social media, print media).
4. Provide recurring mental health training, seminars, dental congresses, and webinars for all members of the dental team.

Mentorship initiatives:

Dental associations should establish formal mentorship programmes for newly graduated dentists. This initiative will help address the feelings of isolation often associated with practising dentistry and bridge the gap between dental schools and the job market.

For instance, the Comprehensive Clinical Residency Programme (CCRP) is an initiative by the Indian Dental Association (IDA) designed for dental graduates.

In addition, Sustainable Inclusive Dentistry Ecosystem (SIDE) by SocioDent, a dental start-up, serves as another example. It aims to create a sustainable and inclusive dental ecosystem that encourages the sharing of resources, knowledge, and skills within the dental community.

Expanding dentistry-specific interventions:

Organisations like the American Dental Association provide valuable resources to support the mental health of dental professionals. Initiatives such as the Dr Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act aim to reduce burnout and offer mental health assistance to healthcare providers. Similarly, the Dental Mental Network (DMN) and Dental Practitioner Support offer 24/7 resources and confidential assistance to dental professionals.

Overall, these interventions and resources help address the unique work circumstances of dentists.

Takeaway:

Dentists must nurture their spirits before extending understanding and compassion to patients. Never chase an unrealistic idea of perfection, which often leads to self-doubt and anxiety. Approach each case and challenge as a valuable opportunity for growth and learning. Dentists should prioritise their own well-being first to deliver the best possible healthcare to their patients. This will help them create a perfect smile for the patient and themselves.

References:

1. Mental health and well-being for oral health professionals and dental students. International Dental Journal. 2024;74(1):159-160. doi:10.1016/j.identj.2023.10.005
2. Plessas A, Paisi M, Bryce M, et al. Mental Health and Wellbeing in Dentistry: A Rapid Evidence Assessment. 2021.
3. Maragha T, Atanackovic J, Adams T, Brondani M, Bourgeault I. Dentists’ mental health: challenges, supports, and promising practices. JDR Clinical and Translational Research. 2025;10(2):100-111. doi:10.1177/23800844241271664

 

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