Guest author: Bite Magazine
Dentistry is a profession built on care - but caring deeply, day after day, can come at a cost. Increasingly, dental professionals are experiencing the strain of compassion fatigue and burnout, a mental and emotional toll that is often hidden beneath the surface.
From long hours and perfectionist expectations to emotionally charged patient interactions, the unique pressures of dental work can take a toll on wellbeing. And it’s not just dentists - everyone in the practice can feel the impact.
Compassion fatigue: The cost of caring
Compassion fatigue refers to the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes from supporting patients in distress. It’s commonly seen in health and emergency services - but it's just as relevant in dentistry.
As Esther Bacon from Dental Practitioner Support (DPS) explains: “Dental practitioners are often the calm in someone else’s storm. But who’s supporting you when you leave the chair and carry that emotional load home?”
Research backs this up. A 2021 study in the Australian Dental Journal found that nearly 25% of dental professionals showed signs of burnout and over 17% had experienced recent suicidal thoughts.
Compassion fatigue is not the same as burnout, but the two are closely linked. Burnout tends to stem from long-term workplace stress, while compassion fatigue is more like “secondary trauma”.
Why dentistry is uniquely stressful
Dentistry brings with it a unique combination of high-stakes stressors, including:
- Perfectionism and time pressure
- Anxious patients and emotional load
- Professional isolation
- Litigation fear
- Demanding public expectations
- Workforce and staffing challenges
- Business and regulatory pressures
Normalising the conversation
The good news is mental health is becoming less of a taboo. More practices are introducing regular check-ins, peer debriefs and mental health CPD.
“In a profession built on care, we need to remember that care goes both ways,” says Esther. “It’s about normalising check-ins and creating space to ask how a colleague’s really doing.”
What can practices do?
Here are a few ways to build a mentally healthier culture in your practice:
Above all, remember this: You can’t pour from an empty cup. The best care for patients starts with caring for yourself and your team.
Need support?
Free, confidential support is available 24/7 through Dental Practitioner Support, call 1800 377 700 anytime.
This article originally appeared in Bite Magazine. You can read the full piece here: Mental health in dentistry
Grow Community members enjoys a free Bite Magazine subscription* - stay informed with the latest dental news and trends. Not a member# yet? Then join today and access to tailored solutions and exclusive member benefits designed to support you on your journey. Contact us for more information or click here to join the community where dental professionals thrive!
DISCLAIMER: The Grow Community is operated by Grow Management Pty Ltd ABN [55617707212] (“Grow”), a subsidiary of the Credabl Group. Neither Grow nor Credabl accept any responsibility or liability for goods or services supplied by Grow Community network partners. The information provided is general in nature and we have not taken into account your personal objectives or financial circumstances or needs when preparing it. Before acting on this information you should consider if it is suitable for your personal circumstances. Please seek your own independent legal, financial, tax or other advice before deciding to use any goods or services supplied by a Grow Community network partner.
*Individual terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria apply to each Grow Community partner exclusive and member benefits and are set by the respective Grow Community partners and benefit providers. Please contact them directly for more information. For general enquiries, email us at info@growcommunity.com.au.
#Membership of the Grow Community is subject to our Terms and Conditions available here.