Preventing Burnout in Dentistry: 4 Common Causes and How a Partnership Can Help

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), ”burnout” is a severe consequence of chronic, unrelieved stress at work. Burnout, though not classified as a traditional medical diagnosis, is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an “occupational phenomenon.” In the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), it is described as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It includes three main dimensions: exhaustion, increased mental distance or negativity towards one’s job, and reduced professional effectiveness. While not a mental disorder, burnout can greatly affect a person’s health and well-being.

In recent years, burnout in the dental industry has surged, mirroring a broader trend of high burnout rates in all medical professions. The ADA’s 2021 Dentist Health and Well-Being Survey revealed that anxiety among dentists is three times higher than in 2003. Additionally, the 2023 ADA Council on Communications Trend Report showed that over 90% of dentists experience career-related stress, with more than 40% feeling defeated, contemplating quitting, or dread going to work at least once a month. 

These alarming statistics underscore the critical need to address burnout, which significantly impacts both mental and physical health in our personal and professional lives. Recognizing and combating the common causes of burnout is essential to ensure the well-being of clinicians in our industry.

4 Causes and Solutions for Dentists Experiencing Burnout

Dentists facing burnout may struggle with maintaining relationships and effective communication with patients, leading to a decline in trust and satisfaction. Additionally, burnout impairs concentration and decision-making, resulting in poor work performance and medical errors.

Dr. Brent Hicks, an Apex Partner actively practicing in Fort Worth, TX since 1985, and Dr. Rollin Sarradet, Chief Dental Officer at Apex Dental Partners, share their insight on the importance of identifying burnout and its triggers to effectively address it:

1. isolation

Though we work in a highly social industry, many private practice owners may feel isolated as the only dentist in their office. Working in isolated environments with few peers can make you more susceptible to burnout. At Apex, dentists benefit from a supportive network of professional peers, play an active role in their office leadership team, and gain access to continuing education and clinical support opportunities.

Dr. Sarradet agrees that having honest conversations with peers and discussing challenges with others facing similar issues is invaluable in combating burnout. He says, “Many dentists feel isolated, but the reality is that we all face similar challenges.” Dr. Sarradet advocates for building a network that empowers you to reconnect with your core motivation for practicing dentistry, such as long-term patient relationships. “One of the great things about this field is that you get to meet many interesting people. The chance to engage with patients, form lasting relationships, and make great friends is incredibly rewarding.”

2. Administrative Strain

As a dentist, you were trained to diagnose and treat patients, causing many clinicians to begin their private practice without proper business management training. Fulfilling the complex roles of accountant, marketing specialist, HR manager, and IT tech while simultaneously maintaining clinical excellence can be particularly burdensome. Apex alleviates this strain by managing these departments, empowering dentists to focus on leadership without the administrative burden. Dr. Sarradet emphasizes developing leadership skills, focusing on positive influence rather than merely being a “boss,” “Good leadership can significantly reduce stress and enhance practice effectiveness.” 

3. Emotional Dissociation

The emotional demands of caring for patients who are in pain, discomfort, or financial hardship can lead to compassion fatigue and increased stress, potentially resulting in emotional dissociation. This detachment can cause dentists to experience a lack of empathy for their patients. Dr. Hicks advises dentists to take full advantage of their breaks, whether during lunch hours or vacations, to recharge, “I pride myself on taking multiple vacations a year while maintaining a thriving practice.” Apex supports dentists like Dr. Hicks by offering comprehensive health benefits, flexible work hours for those transitioning to retirement, and the freedom to focus primarily on their unique clinical care philosophy. Dr. Hicks also encourages dentists to maintain perspective: “Remember, these are just teeth. It’s not a life-and-death situation. What we often perceive as negative can be an opportunity. By shifting our perspective and handling challenges differently, we can turn negatives into positives.”

4. High-Stress Environment

The constant pressure to maintain high patient satisfaction, a full schedule, and happy teammates, while exceeding performance goals can be draining and contribute significantly to burnout. Apex combats the fast-paced model of traditional DSOs by encouraging private practice values. Further, we employ highly qualified teams to manage day-to-day tasks, reducing stress and maintaining a healthier, more collaborative work environment. Dr. Hicks highlights the crucial role of his patients and support team in sustaining his passion for dentistry, “I have wonderful patients whom I love and adore, and the support I need that makes it easy for me to do my job.”

Resources for dentists

Preventing burnout is crucial for your well-being and the quality of patient care you provide. Partnering with Apex not only addresses burnout but empowers dentists to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Apex supports dentists by providing continuing education courses to reignite their passion, managing administrative tasks, and offering a network of clinical mentors for ongoing support.

For more information on how an Apex Partnership can support you, please get in contact.

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