The Mental Health and Well-Being in Dentistry project has marked a major step forward in addressing one of the profession’s most pressing yet historically under-recognized challenges: the mental health of dental professionals and students worldwide. Supported by the MPS Foundation, this initiative has delivered practical, evidence-informed resources while catalyzing a broader cultural shift toward openness, prevention, and systemic support within dentistry.

Responding to a critical need

Research and consultation undertaken during the project confirmed a high prevalence of stress, burnout, and psychological strain among dental professionals, driven by long working hours, emotional demands, performance pressures, and organizational factors. The project reframed mental health in dentistry as not only an individual concern, but a system-wide issue requiring multi-level solutions across education, workplaces, and professional structures. 

Practical tools with global reach

One of the project’s most significant achievements has been the development of accessible, practical resources that can be adapted across diverse national and cultural contexts. Key outputs include:

• A Digital Mental Health and Well-Being Toolkit, designed for dental professionals, teams, and National Dental Associations, offering guidance and assessment tools at individual, organizational, and system levels.
• A Wellness Resource Development Plan, enabling organizations to systematically design, implement, and evaluate mental health initiatives over time.
• A comprehensive suite of student-focused resources, including peer support guides, mindfulness exercises, stress affirmation tools, and advocacy materials.
• A free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), Managing mental health from dental school to dental practice, providing interactive learning for both students and practitioners worldwide.
• A dedicated podcast series exploring mental health in the dental workplace and reducing stigma through shared experiences and expert insight.

Together, these outputs have provided tangible mechanisms for action rather than awareness alone.

Driving awareness, education, and cultural change

Beyond resource development, the project has played a key role in normalizing conversations about mental health within dentistry. Engagement at international forums, including the FDI World Dental Congress and student congresses, helped embed well-being into professional dialogue. The Mental Health and Well-Being Pledge further reinforced collective responsibility, attracting signatories such as the MPS Foundation and Dental Protection, and signaling visible leadership on this critical issue. 

The anticipated impact of the project extends well beyond its immediate outputs. By equipping dental associations and institutions with practical frameworks, the initiative supports long-term improvements in practitioner well-being, informs educational reform, and lays the groundwork for future research into mental health and patient safety in dentistry.

The role of the MPS Foundation

The success and reach of the Mental Health and Well-Being in Dentistry project would not have been possible without the support of the MPS Foundation. Their commitment to research, education, and stigma reduction aligned closely with the project’s objectives and enabled the expansion of resources beyond the initial phase. Both financial and strategic support from MPS provided momentum, credibility, and the opportunity to translate evidence into real-world impact for dental professionals and students globally.

Looking ahead

With core resources now established, the project has created a strong foundation for sustained cultural and systemic change in dentistry. The next phase will focus on deeper implementation, evaluation, and continued engagement to ensure these tools achieve their full potential. As the profession continues to recognize mental health as integral to safe, compassionate, and sustainable care, the Mental Health and Well-Being in Dentistry project stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, evidence, and committed partnership.

The Mental Health and Well-Being in Dentistry project is supported by the MPS Foundation.