Stress can be an appropriate physiological response to external circumstances. Short-term, low-level stress can be helpful or motivational and help us cope with specific challenges.  However long-term or high-level stress brought about by personal or professional challenges is harmful to our health and wellbeing.

Stress

Dental practice is demanding, and stress is common across the profession. Stress can change your mood, concentration and enjoyment of life, and can cause physical and mental health problems. If you have been experiencing stress for a prolonged period of time you should consider seeking professional help.

Take the psychological distress self test.

  • Stress can be an appropriate physiological response to external circumstances. Short-term, low-level stress can be helpful or motivational and help us cope with specific challenges. However long-term or high-level stress brought about by personal or professional challenges is harmful to our health and wellbeing.

  • Dentistry can be demanding, and stress is common amongst the profession. Sources of professional stress include concerns about complaints and litigation, mandatory notifications, workload pressures and difficult patient interactions.

    There is also a link between mental and financial health which can create a vicious cycle - financial stress can lead to poor mental health, which can make taking action to protect your financial health harder.

    Personal sources of stress include relationship issues, illness and injury, bereavement and other life events.

  • Recent research has found 32.0% of Australian dental practitioners reported moderate or severe psychological distress and 59.4% had a high likelihood of minor (or more severe) psychological distress.

  • Stress can cause changes to mood, concentration, enjoyment of life and have a range of physical manifestations including fatigue and headaches.

  • Self-care activities for stress are outlined on this page. If you have been experiencing stress for a prolonged period that is distressing or impacting your daily life you should consider seeking professional support. This may be through your GP ,a mental health professional or the organisations listed on this site. If you feel not ready to speak to someone you can also access online tools, such as THIS WAY UP’s stress, depression and anxiety courses

Coping with stress

  • Split up big tasks

    if a task seems overwhelming and difficult to start, try breaking it down into easier tasks and give yourself credit for completing them.

  • Allow yourself some positivity

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

  • Challenge unhelpful thoughts

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

  • Be more active

    Being active can help burn off nervous energy. It won’t make stress disappear, but can help make it less intense.

  • Talk to someone

    A problem shared is a problem halved. Talking to a trusted family member, friend or work colleague, or a professional helpline, can be helpful when you are struggling to manage stress.

  • Plan ahead

    Knowing that you are likely to encounter stress helps you to plan for it. If you have a difficult patient or case coming up, writing down some notes to guide you can reduce your stress and anxiety.