Educate to Rejuvenate
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 24th March 2022
Burnout stalks the dental profession, with dentists reporting significantly higher levels of burnout compared to most jobs.[i] To some extent this comes with the territory, dentistry can be a highly stressful and demanding job. Clinicians have to juggle a large number of demands and responsibilities on a daily basis, while maintaining high standards and satisfying patients’ varied needs.
Burnout does not have strict universally agreed diagnostic criteria, but has been described across three key dimensions as increased feelings of fatigue due to work-related stress, increased depersonalisation (change in attitude towards a more negative/cynical outlook), reduced levels of personal accomplishment and self-perceived competence, or in many cases a combination of the above.[ii]
Ideally, we would change aspects of our jobs that are fatiguing and increase elements that are affirming. However, there are fundamental aspects of this career and economic realities that limit how much we can realistically reduce stressors. Consequently, we have to help individuals working in the system to cope and overcome burnout.
Learning something new is recommended by the NHS for its positive effects on mental wellbeing.[iii] It may seem counter-intuitive to add another time-consuming activity while feeling drained by burnout, but it can genuinely help improve your mood and feelings about yourself and your work. It is also inherently productive, at a minimum you will learn something, but most likely the benefits will not stop there. As mentioned, a key aspect of burnout for many are feelings that you are not accomplishing anything worthwhile and/or that you lack ability. To be reductionist, you may feel that you have not had a win in a long time, and this contributes to a feeling that you are not progressing or are even regressing. Learning a skill or something new directly counters this, providing a much-needed sense of accomplishment. This can be particularly pronounced when you stray outside your comfort zone, and develop knowledge and skills you did not initially expect to, or thought were beyond you. However, do not underestimate the benefit of small wins – success breeds success, no matter how seemingly inconsequential. If you are feeling particularly low, a simple break from monotony or a bit of novelty can go a long way.
Many struggling with burnout feel time-poor and struggle to imagine how they can fit more into their day. One way of reclaiming time for yourself and learning is to listen to audiobooks or podcasts while you do unavoidable activities, like commuting and household chores.
A good support system is vital for any demanding occupation. Here again, learning can pay dividends. Attending courses can help you meet like-minded peers with similar experiences, or even a mentor. Away from work-related learning, picking up a new skill or deepening your knowledge or involvement in a hobby can open up and strengthen other social connections. It is great to kill two birds with one stone, efficiently using your time can really help you regain a sense of control over your life. However, it is important not to feel like work is your whole life, and make it the only avenue where you draw validation. Engaging in non-work-related learning can make you a more rounded person, and provide a distinct break from thinking about work all the time. It can also bring ancillary benefits to your working life, such as adding to your conversational repertoire. You never know when you will encounter a patient or colleague with a similar interest in a particular niche, and that can make for a rewarding interaction. You may also find unexpected inspiration comes from seemingly unrelated subjects.
Beyond the psychological benefits of learning something new, expanding your knowledge base can also open new doors within your career. Embarking on a new specialty or taking one further can potentially move you out of a career rut, reinvigorate your passion for the discipline, or make the type of work you do more interesting on a day-to-day basis.
A great place to start if you are looking for a new learning avenue is Ucer Education, which is at the forefront of postgraduate education in UK implantology. Led by Specialist Oral Surgeon, Professor Cemal Ucer, Ucer Education’s Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Implant Dentistry (EduQual Level 7) is an outstanding opportunity for clinicians looking to advance their skills and knowledge. The course gives you an impeccable grounding in technical competencies and theory, including different implant systems and their provision, full digital workflow including CBCT scans and 3D treatment planning and printing, and much more. You will gain invaluable insight into soft and hard skills from a highly experienced team. You will find that much of what you will learn is transferable, so even if you are not placing implant directly, you will have gained highly useful skills and knowledge to better educate patients and support your career progression.
As we learn we grow, so it is never a waste. Learning helps boost self-esteem and mood, opens up new opportunities, and can help you forge rewarding social connections.
Professor Cemal Ucer (BDS, MSc, PhD, Oral Surgeon, ITI Fellow)
For more information on the PG Cert in Implant Dentistry from Ucer Education – supported by Geistlich, Megagen, Neoss, TRI Implants and General Medical – please visit www.ucer.education or call Prof Ucer on 07767 645331
Email ucer@oral-implants.com
[i] Nangle M., Henry J., Von Hippel C., Kjelsaas K. An empirical study of how emotion dysregulation and social cognition relate to occupational burnout in dentistry. British Dental Journal. 2019; 227: 285-290. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-019-0620-0December 2, 2021.
[ii] Singh P., Aulak D., Mangat S., Aulak M. Systematic review: factors contributing to burnout in dentistry. Occupational Medicine. 2016; 66(1): 27-31. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqv119 December 2, 2021.
[iii] NHS. 5 steps to mental wellbeing. NHS. 2019. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/ December 2, 2021.
