Dental indemnity is part of your stress toolkit
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 23rd October 2023
Surveys, reports and anecdotal evidence continue to show high levels of stress among dental professionals.[1]It’s a topic that’s talked about at every industry event and in every journal.
Many sources have researched the topic and there is data going back many years, acknowledging that dentistry is a high-stress occupation as well as a rewarding one.[2] Research published in 2022 outlines some of the major triggers as stress, including “patients” and “complaints” alongside things like “equipment and regulation”.[3] These factors are often out of the dentist’s or dental professional’s control and can combine to make a situation quickly go from bad to worse. These situations may lead to an unpleasant confrontation and, ultimately, a complaint about the level of care received.
This study consolidates the findings of previous works which also indicated many dental professions don’t have coping mechanisms, it’s often just a case of getting through the day.[4] There is a dentolegal angle to poor mental health at work, because not being on top of your game is when mistakes and errors of judgment can happen. Being stressed and overwhelmed at work can directly impact on standards of patient care. Safe practise requires dental professionals who are skilled, competent, capable and compassionate. The resources and strategies you have in order to stay calm and keep going, and to know you’re well prepared if something should go wrong, are crucial for delivering high-quality, ethical and appropriate care to your patients, every day.
Stress management for physical and mental health
Complaints are one of the biggest sources of stress and anxiety. These include complaints for poor service – long delays, not being able to get an appointment with their preferred practitioner – and clinical matters, like missed or mis-diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. As a service-led industry, and one that is under considerable pressure, we know that it will be impossible to please everyone, all of the time. But if your integrity is called into question this can turn your world upside down. A survey of over 100 professionals who had been subject to a GDC investigation found that 82% said it had “a detrimental impact on their mental health” with a staggering 96% saying it caused stress and anxiety. Of those sampled, 38% considered leaving dentistry and 14% did ultimately quit.[5]
The length of an investigation is of particular concern; some can take years to conclude. Questioning every decision you make during that investigation period is likely to take its toll on anyone. The support of your family, friends and colleagues may not be enough, as they will be impacted by the stress you are under. Also, if they do not understand the profession, they may be limited in what advice they can give. As part of your resilience strategies, your dental indemnity is a resource that can help to protect you, at a time when you need it most. Unlike discretionary indemnity, like that offered by Medical Defence Organisations (MDOs) contract-certain, insurance-backed cover, such as the policies provided by Howden, can help to provide dental professionals with peace of mind. Alongside broad cover and affordable premiums, Howden clients will also get access to a 24/7 mental health helpline, for guidance, support and a place to vent.
Dentistry is often tough work and dealing with patients, offering a service, will always be stressful. Be self-aware to know when you’re feeling stressed enough for it to impact on your enjoyment and ability to do your job. All dental professionals must establish coping mechanisms, and have a toolkit of resources for protecting their mental health. These resources include quality dental indemnity from a provider who offers comprehensive support, should a complaint or claim be made against you.
For more information or to contact the team,
please visit www.howdenmedicalindemnity.com or call 020 3918 912.
Howden Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of general insurance business. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 725875. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF
[1] Mental health and wellbeing in dentistry. GDC, 17 September 2020. Link: https://www.gdc-uk.org/news-blogs/blog/detail/blogs/2020/09/17/mental-health-and-wellbeing-in-dentistry (accessed July 2023).
[2] Williams, M. What are dental professionals’ perceptions of stress and its triggers in dentistry; is it perceived that mentoring could help?. BDJ Team 9, 48–51 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41407-022-1684-2
[3] BDJ Team 9, 48–51 (2022).
[4] Bretherton R, Chapman H, Chipchase S. A study to explore specific stressors and coping strategies in primary dental care practice. Br Dent J 2016; 220: 471-478.
[5] Reforms urged as dental professionals under investigation report consider quitting dentistry. Dental Nursing, 2 June 2023. Link: https://www.dental-nursing.co.uk/news/reforms-urged-as-dental-professionals-under-investigation-report-consider-quitting-dentistry-suicide-and-mental-health-issues-1
