The mental load of dentistry – let’s talk about it

Dentistry is more than a clinical skill - it’s a people profession. And while most dental professionals are trained to handle the technical side of care, the emotional side often gets overlooked.

From patient anxiety and perfectionist tendencies to the unrelenting pressure of running a practice, the mental load can quietly build up. In this article, we’re unpacking what that load looks like, why it matters and how starting the conversation could change everything.

You carry more than instruments

Whether you're a practice owner, associate, or dental assistant, your day doesn’t just involve clinical precision - it includes emotional labour:

- Reassuring anxious patient

- Managing team morale

- Juggling back-to-back appointment

- Worrying about treatment outcomes

- Making split-second decisions

- Balancing financial pressures

Individually, each task may seem manageable. Together, they form a silent mental load that wears you down.

Perfectionism in the profession

Dentistry attracts high achievers. But those very qualities that make great clinicians - attention to detail, high standards, accountability - can also drive burnout.

Many dental professionals feel the pressure to get everything exactly right. That pressure doesn’t clock off at the end of the day. It lingers.

Recognising this mindset is the first step in managing it. You’re not failing if you feel overwhelmed. You’re human.

The hidden toll of constant care

Caring for others is rewarding, but it comes at a cost when your own wellbeing is on the back burner.

When you spend your day absorbing patient stress, making people feel safe and constantly problem-solving, it's easy to finish a day mentally and emotionally drained. And when that becomes the norm, it’s a short walk to burnout.

Why we need to talk about it

Talking about mental health in dentistry doesn’t mean something is wrong. It means something is working.

Open conversations about this help to:

✔️Break down stigma

✔️Build stronger teams

✔️Encourage self-awareness

✔️Promote long-term sustainability in careers

Creating a safe environment to check in with colleagues or seek professional help isn’t a weakness, it’s a sign of self-awareness.

So, where to from here?

Start making a difference with these small steps:

✔️Ask a colleague how they’re really doing

✔️Check in with yourself daily

✔️Reach out for support before the stress piles up

✔️Lead by example in your practice

Do you need to talk to someone?

Free, confidential support is available 24/7 through Dental Practitioner Support, call 1800 377 700 anytime.

On the topic of HR, we're hosting a free live online webinar, "From Staff Shortages to Sick Leave: Tackling HR Headaches in Dental Practices," on November 12. Register your spot here.

Originally published at Grow Lane from Grow Community on 4 September 2025, see the article here.