Dental practices are fast-paced, high-pressure environments where patient care is always the top priority. However, the demands of the profession can sometimes take a toll on the very people who make these practices thrive—your team. With tight schedules, high patient expectations, and an ever-increasing workload, it’s no surprise that mental health is becoming a growing concern in dental practices.
But how can we ensure our teams feel supported, even when the demands of the job seem overwhelming? By recognising the challenges unique to dental practices and implementing strategies to promote wellbeing, we can create healthier, more resilient teams while maintaining the high level of care that our patients deserve.
The stress of a busy practice
Dental teams are tasked with delivering optimal care to every patient, often in the face of high volumes of appointments and tight time constraints. In such an environment, being short-staffed can create a ripple effect that impacts everyone in the practice. When a colleague is out due to illness or the practice is understaffed due to turnover, the remaining team members are often left to pick up the slack. This can lead to longer hours, increased pressure, and ultimately, burnout.
The effects of this strain are twofold:
Impact on team wellbeing: Dental professionals, from Front Office Coordinators , Dental Assistants to Clinicians and Practice Managers , are often juggling multiple responsibilities. When workload increases, so does stress, which can lead to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or burnout. If this stress is left unchecked, it can affect not only the individual’s health but also the team’s morale.
Impact on patient experience: Patients expect a calm, attentive, and professional experience when they visit your practice. But when your team is stretched too thin, it’s difficult to provide the level of care and attention that every patient deserves. Over time, this can affect patient satisfaction and loyalty, as well as the overall atmosphere of your practice.
Signs your team may be struggling
The first step in supporting mental health in the workplace is recognising when your team may be struggling. Here are a few signs that stress is affecting your practice:
Increased absenteeism or frequent illness
Lowered productivity or focus
Higher staff turnover
A shift in mood, such as irritability or withdrawal
Decreased patient satisfaction or complaints about the quality of care
How to support mental health in your practice
While dental practices will always be busy, there are steps you can take to ensure that your team feels supported, valued, and mentally well. Here are a few strategies:
Foster Open Communication
Create an environment where team members feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment. This can be done through regular check-ins, team meetings, and ensuring that leadership models open and supportive communication.
Provide Mental Health Resources
Make mental health resources readily available, whether it’s through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), access to counselling services, or mental health workshops. Providing these resources signals to your team that their wellbeing is a priority.
Flexible Scheduling
When possible, offer flexible scheduling or shift coverage options to prevent burnout. Ensuring that staff members have adequate rest between shifts and are not overworked is key to maintaining both mental and physical health.
Encourage Breaks and Self-Care
In a busy practice, it can be easy for staff to skip breaks or lunches. Encourage your team to take regular breaks, even if it’s just a few minutes to step away and recharge. Promote a culture of self-care, where team members are reminded that taking care of themselves is as important as taking care of patients.
Address Staffing Issues
High turnover or frequent absenteeism can place undue strain on the rest of the team. Addressing these staffing challenges quickly—whether by cross-training staff, or addressing the issues that result in high staff turnover—can relieve the pressure on your existing team.
Promote Team Bonding
A supportive team can make all the difference in a high-pressure environment. Encourage team-building activities and create opportunities for your staff to bond outside of patient care. This builds a stronger, more cohesive unit, which can help alleviate stress and improve morale.
Mental health is key to patient care
At the end of the day, the health of your team directly impacts the care they provide. A dental practice is only as strong as the people who run it, and when those people feel supported and mentally well, your practice will thrive.
Taking proactive steps to prioritise mental health in your workplace can lead to improved job satisfaction, better patient experiences, and a more successful practice overall. It’s an investment in both your team and your patients—and one that will pay dividends in the long run.
Dental practices are busy and demanding environments, but with the right support, your team can not only manage the challenges but also excel. By putting mental health at the forefront, you ensure your team is well-equipped to deliver the best possible care to your patients, day in and day out.
AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT
Lifeline
24/7 Crisis Support
13 11 14
Dental Practitioner Support
24/7 mental health helpline
1800 377 700
Head2Health
Non-crisis help and info line
1800 595 212
NEW ZEALAND SUPPORT
Lifeline
24/7 Crisis Support
0800 543 354
Need to Talk
24/7 mental health helpline
1737
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