Investing in personal wellness: How dentists can strengthen 5 facets of self-care
Experts offered tips dental professionals can follow to prioritize their mental and physical health for a more sustainable and impactful career in oral healthcare.
Dental professionals often experience clinical burnout from the high mental and physical demands of the profession, according to a news article from Dental Economics. However, practicing certain wellness routines can help clinicians progress beyond just technical proficiency and transform stagnation into longevity.
The experts detailed that chronic occupational injuries — including neck, shoulder, back, hip, hand and wrist issues — may affect about two-thirds of dental professionals. Addressing ergonomics, eliminating harmful habits and focusing on overall health outside of the dental clinic through good posture and loupes setups, regular physical activity like cardiovascular fitness or strength training, healthful dietary choices, and adequate sleep can all boost physical wellness.
Continued mental growth can protect mental wellness. The experts suggested that dental professionals take part in continuing education, remain attuned to advancements in science and technology, converse with patients and engage with mentors and peers in dentistry to foster mental vitality.
The experts emphasized that mental health issues should not be suppressed or viewed as shortcomings. To enhance emotional wellness, dental professionals should acknowledge when they’re struggling and seek support for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Getting help when needed can provide dental professionals with the tools they need to continue being effective clinicians.
Additionally, identifying a purpose — whether through community or improving the lives of patients — can help a career in dentistry feel less transactional and become more fulfilling. Dental professionals should make time for the meaningful aspects of their lives that move them each day.
Finally, the experts indicated that personal and professional relationships that comprise their social environment can be responsible for shaping dental professionals’ standards, perspectives and motivation. They recommended that clinicians surround themselves with peers, employers and mentors who challenge them, are driven by intention and a desire to elevate clinical and patient care, and push them to be the best versions of themselves rather than those who are disengaged and cynical.
The experts underscored that integrating these five dimensions of self-care into their daily lives provides dental professionals with the best opportunities to build careers and lives of real, long-term impact.
The American Dental Association offers wellness-related resources at ADA.org/wellness.
Read more: Dental Economics
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.