Dentistry can be a lonely profession, and dentists have a tendency to want to do or oversee everything themselves in their practices. Add a pandemic and staff shortages to that mix, and the result is often burnout. Yes, burnout is real, and yes, we can't let it get out of control.
Dr. Amrita Patel, an Advisory Board member for Dental Economics, and I recently talked about how our profession is handling burnout. She deals with dentists from dental school to nearing retirement, and overall she notices stress levels increasing.
She said we need to find something that makes you happy to get your mind off dentistry, or to allow yourself to quit something that can be delegated. Amrita hates doing laundry, so she sends it out. I've quit wearing my smartwatch, and it's a relief not to be checking it all the time. And of course, we can all delegate some responsibilities to team members. We need to give ourselves permission.
Find out what else we chat about and learn some tips to hopefully make these stressful times just a tiny bit easier.
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About the Author
Pamela Maragliano, DMD
Chief Editor of Dental Economics
Pamela Maragliano, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].