How to improve workplace well-being with proven stress management practices.
It is no secret that the dental profession takes a mental and physical toll on its members. Research has found that over 90% of dental professionals have faced career-related stress. Whether linked to staff or patient issues or tied to financial or personal concerns, the vast majority of dentists have felt the pressures of stress. A stressful workplace can also erode team productivity and negatively impact patient care. Fortunately, stress management tools and techniques can help.
This article will look at managing stress practice-wide, enabling everyone to feel healthier, more positive, and better equipped to provide the utmost care for patients.
The link between dentistry and stress
At least once a month, over 40% of dental professionals feel defeated, want to avoid showing up for work, or wish to quit due to the pressures of the job. But is stress-free dentistry achievable?
Dentistry is a high-pressure business with many stress triggers. These can include everything from managing financing and student debt to balancing supply needs and cash flow to maintaining full staffing while performing complex procedures flawlessly.
Stress can cause practitioners to suffer psychological, emotional, and physical burnout, which can affect their ability to connect with and care for patients. Alongside burnout, coping skills are often compromised, minor issues may be left to turn into big ones, and bouncing back from a tough day may seem impossible. But patient care must still be carried out.
While practitioners are busy caring for others, they often neglect self-care, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting sufficient rest. They may also fail to see the effect their stress is having on their staff. If the workplace is stressful, every team member will likely be affected. But there are tools and techniques to help.
Managing Stress in Dentistry
Recognizing and addressing the sources of stress can play a large role in managing it. Involving the entire team in stress reduction is critical. This includes ensuring all members take regular breaks and use their vacation time. Fostering a culture of work-life balance and employing flexible scheduling can help team members better manage home and work responsibilities. Encouraging exercise and physical wellness can help alleviate stress on the body and mind. Learning deep breathing and other relaxation techniques as a team can provide essential tools to cope with stressful situations as they arise.
The physical demands of the job are also known stressors. Prolonged periods of sitting, leaning over patients, and performing repetitive movements can be taxing. Stretching and exercising specific muscle groups can relieve pain and stiffness, as well as promote relaxation. By taking a few minutes each day to loosen up the body, dental staff can improve their physical and mental well-being. This will also enhance their ability to provide a high standard of care to their patients.
To set the stage for stress reduction, a calming environment can benefit both staff and patients. Playing soothing music, decorating with muted colours, and offering comfortable furnishings can help calm patient anxiety, improve the mood in the office, and make dental visits more enjoyable for everyone.
Due to the nature of the job, stress-free dentistry may not be 100% achievable. And a little stress in a busy practice can be a positive thing, motivating staff and keeping them focused on their daily goals, thereby increasing productivity and efficiency. Too much or prolonged stress, however, can be debilitating and counterproductive. The key is to prioritize stress management and strive for a healthy balance.
Conclusion: Prioritize stress management to help drive practice success
Undue stress in a dental office can affect everyone from reception and office staff to clinicians and assistants. This can impact patient care and the overall success of the practice. A dental practice that fosters a stress-free environment will find that patients are more likely to make (and keep) appointments. Staff who adopt stress management practices and wellness techniques will be happier, healthier, and eager to come to work each day, ready to contribute to the practice’s success.
