Each year, on October 10th, the world comes together to observe World Mental Health Day, a global initiative aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health issues and raising awareness about their impact.

Dentistry, like many healthcare fields, comes with unique pressures: dentists and dental teams often face high levels of anxiety, stress, and worry, which can lead to serious mental health challenges and increased risks of addictive behaviours. Such issues can ultimately affect the quality of care provided, impacting patients’ well-being. To address this important topic, FDI released a new episode of its Dental Check-up podcast, spotlighting the mental health challenges within the dental profession.

Prioritizing the well-being of dental professionals is key to quality patient care

In this special episode of the Dental Check-up podcast, host Prof. Matt Hopcraft is joined by renowned guest Prof. Tim Newton – an expert in psychology applied to dentistry at King’s College London – as they explore the unique pressures dentists face, from perfectionism and physical strain to the emotional toll of patient care. 

The episode delves into the pervasive issue of burnout in dentistry, exacerbated by a growing consumerist model in healthcare, and the stigmatization of mental health discussions within the profession. Dentists are often reluctant to seek help due to fears of professional repercussions, yet emotional exhaustion can significantly impact clinical performance and patient outcomes. 

If you are a dental professional who is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your colleagues or professional services. Furthermore, take advantage of mental health resources like the FDI Mental Health Toolkit. 

The Mental Health and Wellbeing in Dentistry project is supported by the MPS Foundation