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Burnout in dentistry isn’t age-related. It affects dentists with decades of experience, and increasingly, those who are new to the profession. In fact, the burnout rate in this industry is higher than most. So how can you avoid it? Consider four keys.
1. Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
How do you know if you’re burned out? There are many signs and symptoms—and you don’t have to experience all of them to be affected.
Using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope with your feelings
Being cynical or critical at work
Change in your sleep habits or appetite
Difficulty starting your workday
Feeling disillusioned, dissatisfied, or unfulfilled
Irritability or impatience with staff members or patients
Lack of energy to be productive
Unexplained headaches, back pain, or other physical pain
2. Identify the Reasons
High risk and high stress come with practicing dentistry. Continuing education is required to become good at it and to stay current with trends and technology. And there are other stressors:
Achieving precision with restorations
Business and student loan payments
Staff management
Decreased reimbursement from insurance companies
Keeping up with dental technology
Maintaining a working knowledge of dental artistry, physics, materials, and medicine
Marketing decisions
Purchasing decisions
Working on difficult or fearful patients
The stressors can make you feel inadequate, ineffective and isolated. What can you do about it?
3. Change Your Perspective
View your practice as a business
If you own your own practice, it’s essential to recognize it has to be run as a business. Ensure your business model includes:
Clear and efficient processes for yourself and your staff
Continuous marketing
Rewards and bonuses for your staff
Staying current with dental technology
View your patients as customers
Even if you don’t own a practice, remember to:
Treat your patients like clients whom you want to give exceptional customer experiences.
Think of ways to continually improve your interaction with patients.
Develop a reputation for stellar chairside manner and beautiful work, and patient referrals will follow.
View your well-being as important
You can take care of your business and your patients, but if you neglect yourself, burnout is inevitable.
Seek support – Talk to a close friend, family member, or an experienced dentist. If you seek one or two veteran dentists as mentors, they can share their experiences, wisdom, and practical advice.
Exercise and rest – They both help you cope with stress, rejuvenate and have a healthier lifestyle.
Enroll in continuing education – It can build enthusiasm about your profession. As you learn and use new techniques and technology, you’ll have more to offer your patients. And they’ll be excited about it, too.
4. Consider Your Options
Many dentists find it helpful to change their routine by taking temporary or new assignments. The ability to work in different facilities with different patient populations can be refreshing.
If you’re interested in exploring your options, contact WSi Healthcare Personnel. We’re a leader in staffing solutions for the Western region. Partner with us.