Dr Kinnar Shah

Stress Management for Dental Professionals – Flossing Away Your Worries

October 3, 2023

Dental professionals are no strangers to the occasional biting situation.

Recently I’ve been speaking to quite a few of our colleagues going through a lot of stress. Regularly.

Now some stress is normal should I dare say. I haven’t met anyone in my life who is completely stress free. Perhaps I’m climbing the wrong mountain!

Jokes aside. Living a stressed life isn’t fun. Not just for you but for the loved ones around you. Perhaps you’ve felt and observed that.

In the dental profession, stress comes from numerous sources. We bear a profound responsibility for the well-being of our patients and are tasked with swiftly and accurately diagnosing a multitude of issues. Emergencies elevate the urgency and physical demands of our roles. Furthermore, the looming spectre of potential litigation is always at the back of our minds. Factors such as the fatigue and competency of our dental assistants contribute additional layers of concern. For those who own their practices, there are unique stresses tied to financial management, overseeing staff, handling insurance, and navigating legalities. These combined responsibilities, layered with inherent emotional and psychological challenges, make our profession particularly demanding, even just reading about it can induce tension.

As George Bernard Shaw quipped, “The only man I know who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me. The rest go on with their old measurements and expect me to fit them.”

Like the ever-evolving landscape of a patient’s mouth, stressors in a dental professional’s life evolve and shift, demanding a fresh approach each time.

I intend to give you some ways to reduce this stress or at-least manage your aura. Because you matter. You are the biggest asset you can invest in. Perhaps take some of these points to help you get back in control and start enjoying more of your life in 2023 and moving forward .

1. Begin Your Day with Mindfulness: Start each morning with a 5-minute meditation session. Visualize a peaceful day, devoid of any drilling complications. Think of it as your mental fluoride treatment.

2. Regular Breaks are a Must: Just as you advise patients to take breaks between sugary snacks, ensure you take short breaks between patients. A quick walk or some stretching exercises can work wonders.

3. Delegate When Necessary: You wouldn’t ask a hygienist to perform a root canal, so don’t take on every single task yourself. Learn the power of delegation in your administrative duties.

4. Talk it Out: Establish a peer support group where you can vent, share, and discuss the ‘toothaches’ of your profession. Remember, everyone has had that patient who thought floss was a decorative string.

5. Laugh a Little (or a Lot): Humor is a great stress reliever. I personally find this the most therapeutic. Stand-up comedy clips on social media or YouTube is my go to place.

6. Professional Development: Continued learning can be therapeutic. New techniques or technologies might alleviate some stressors, making procedures more straightforward or patient interactions smoother.

7. Maintain a Work-Life Balance: Don’t bring molars home. Make sure to separate your professional responsibilities from your personal time, so you can recharge adequately.

8. Seek Professional Help if Needed: Sometimes, managing stress requires expert guidance. It’s okay to consult a therapist or counsellor if things feel overwhelming. Just remember to check if they have experience with dental professionals – you don’t want them confused when you say, “I had a tough day pulling teeth!”

9. Physical Activity: A bit of exercise can go a long way. If hitting the gym isn’t your thing, consider adopting a sport. Ever thought about “crown”-bowling or “brace”-ball?

10. Stay Organized: An organized work environment can significantly decrease stress. As they say, an organized dental tray is an organized mind. Okay, maybe nobody says that, but they should!

In conclusion, while the challenges dental professionals face are unique, managing stress is universally essential. Embrace the techniques that resonate most with you and, when in doubt, al