Is Dentistry Decaying Your Wellbeing? Act Now Before It's Irreversible!

_{Burnout in dentistry is widespread yet people are suffering needlessly.}

The dental profession is no stranger to burnout, and recent trends have shown an alarming increase in associates experiencing this debilitating condition. Despite the prevalence of burnout, many dentists suffer in silence, hesitant to seek the support they desperately need. In this blog post, we aim to shed light on this issue and explore the reasons behind this hesitance. Moreover, we will emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive community that understands and values dental professionals’ unique challenges. Together, let’s work towards preventing and addressing burnout in dentistry.

Understanding Burnout in Dentistry

Burnout is not just a fleeting feeling of stress or overwhelm; it is a state of complete exhaustion that affects one’s mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. It results from prolonged exposure to excessive stressors and can manifest as a lack of motivation, hopelessness, and a significant decline in overall energy levels.

Recognizing the Signs

Identifying the signs and symptoms of burnout is crucial in addressing it effectively. Some common indicators include:

Chronic stress
Lack of joy
Compassion fatigue
Low confidence
Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion
Lack of support from colleagues and team members
Limited autonomy over schedules, workload, and decisions
Isolation from a supportive community
Absence of a trusted mentor
Professional stoicism prevents open discussion of feelings
Poor self-care and lack of boundaries with personal wellbeing
Heavy and stressful non-stop workload
Decreased confidence
Diminished energy to enjoy activities and relationships outside of work
Living and practicing far away from family and friends
The financial burden of student loans and/or practice ownership
Chronic pain
Dealing with or witnessing team conflict
Taking on and carrying the energy of stressed patients

_{Burnout in dentistry is a continuum. Seeking support early on is strongly encouraged.}

It is important to remember that burnout is an individual experience, and each person’s threshold may vary. However, there are general stages as one progresses to burnout. Take a look at our model of dental burnout.

Phase 1 – Surface demineralization:

You have a subtle discontent without an awareness of a problem. You may know something is wrong but can’t get the probe to stick. You think this is just how it is as a practicing dentist.

Phase 2 -Enamel Decay:

You have increasing feelings of discomfort. You start to have more unsettling thoughts and emotions. You begin to have repetitive negative thought patterns alerting you that something is off balance. Subconsciously, your brain is trying to work out how to deal with chronic stress. You start to look outside yourself for an explanation and blame other people or situations for your pain.

Phase 3 –Invasion of Dentin:

Due to feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, and anxiety, you can no longer ignore the pain. You search for ways to anesthetize what you feel (Sugar, substances, electronic distractions, procrastination, distancing, avoiding, isolating). You may be on a treadmill of cycles of hyperactivity followed by complete exhaustion.

Phase 4 -Decayed Pulp and Extreme Pain:

Restless exhaustion begins to take hold of your everyday experience of life. You begin to feel intense emotions and physical sensations. You may be searching for medical evidence for why you feel this way and not be getting any clear answers. Even when you have time to rest, you cannot switch off and constantly feel enervated.

Phase 5 -Abscess and Distress:

Due to the constant insult of chronic stress, your body can no longer cope and may display signs of physical disease. In addition, your mind races, and you cannot slow it down for any moment of peace. Your body may completely shut down, or uncontrollable panic attacks may plague your mind. This is complete burnout.

_{Similar to treating dental decay, addressing burnout in dentistry is more straightforward in its early stages, and with proactive care, you can prevent it altogether.}

Challenges Faced by Associates

Associates often face unique stresses, despite the misconception that their role is less demanding. Limited mentorship and support can contribute to their burnout in dentistry, and the perception that they are “only an associate” can prevent them from seeking help. Fear of being replaced or deemed incapable further exacerbates their hesitance to address their burnout. To combat this, colleagues and practice owners must acknowledge and validate associates’ experiences and provide the required support.

Creating a Supportive Community

Rather than comparing and belittling each other’s struggles, fostering a caring and understanding community within the dental profession is essential. Burnout should not be a competition, nor should one’s worth be determined by their role within a practice. By creating an environment that values empathy, inclusivity, and support, we can encourage dentists to seek help without shame or feelings of inadequacy.

Taking Action

If you are an associate experiencing burnout, take these four steps:

Reach out to someone you trust and share your feelings.
Prioritize the fundamentals of proper sleep, nutrition and movement so you can operate from a foundation of wellbeing
Reframe your mindset and reevaluate or refresh your values.
Seek professional support, such as The Mint Door, which specializes in helping individuals experiencing burnout.

For practice owners facing burnout:

Follow the same four steps mentioned above. Additionally, communicate openly with trusted team members and share the values and boundaries you need to put in place to recover from burnout.

If you notice an associate on the path to burnout, consider these three steps:

Show empathy and compassion towards their struggles.
Ask them what they need and how you can support them.
Be approachable and understanding, avoiding judgment or comparisons to your own experiences as a practice owner.

Addressing burnout in dentistry requires a collective effort from all profession members. Associates and practice owners alike must acknowledge and support each other’s struggles. By breaking the silence surrounding burnout, reframing our mindset, prioritizing self-care, and seeking professional assistance when needed, we can ensure the overall wellbeing of dental professionals and create a healthier, more supportive dental community. Remember, your wellbeing matters, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Take the first step towards addressing burnout and prioritizing your wellbeing in dentistry. Whether you’re an associate, a team member, or a practice owner, wherever you are along the burnout continuum, Dr. Karen Tindall and Dr. Laura Schwindt from The Mint Door are here to support you. As experienced dentists and certified life coaches, they have dedicated their work to helping dental professionals like you. Reach out for a conversation without obligation, and let’s ensure your health so you can continue caring for others.

Contact The Mint Door at themintdoorclub@gmail.com, have a look at our website or find us on Instagram and Facebook.

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