Dealing with the Demands of Dentistry: It’s Ok to Ask for Help

Dentistry is not an easy profession.  The clinical aspects of dentistry are physically and emotionally demanding.  Performing repetitive procedures and holding static postures for prolonged periods of time can leave dentists feeling mentally drained, sore and fatigued.  And given the frequent exposure to patient anxiety and the need for precision when performing dental procedures, it is not uncommon for dentists themselves to develop anxiety about causing pain to patients or making a mistake when performing a procedure.

The other demands of dentistry are no less challenging.  Many dentists work long hours, which makes balancing work, family, and other responsibilities difficult.  Other stressors include difficult and uncooperative patients, dissatisfied patients, finances, business problems, collecting payments, paperwork/bureaucracy, time pressure, cancellations, no-shows—the list goes on and on.  And that is not even taking into consideration major stressors, such as staff issues, board complaints, audits, and malpractice lawsuits.

When presented with these difficulties, dentists can become anxious and depressed.  Some even seek out mood altering drugs and/or begin to abuse alcohol, in an effort to alleviate the stress.

Thankfully, there are resources available where dentists can turn to for help.  Most dental associations have a subcommittee or group designed to provide confidential help to dentists struggling with the demands of dentistry and emotional, mental and/or substance abuse issues.

In addition, dentists struggling with anxiety and depression may be able to file a disability claim, particularly if they are no able longer to safely treat patients.  Depending on the terms of the policy, disability benefits for a mental disorder or substance abuse may be limited to a certain amount of time—typically two years.  If you are unsure about whether your policy provides benefits for disabilities arising as a result of a mental disorder or substance abuse, an experienced disability attorney can review your policy and advise you regarding the nature and scope of your coverage.

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