A Journey Through Dentistry, Mental Health, and Stress

Dentistry is often seen as a rewarding profession, blending art and science to improve patients' lives. However, the high demands of the field can take a significant toll on mental health, leading to chronic stress and burnout.

In this post, I share personal experiences and reflections on the impact of stress in dentistry, the importance of mental well-being, and why dental professionals must prioritize their health for a long and fulfilling career.

The Magic of Dentistry

From the moment I was born, the world of dentistry felt like a magical place. My uncle, Dr. Urano Pontes, was a celebrated dentist in our state in Brazil. I recall visiting his office as a child, captivated by the dazzling lights, intriguing sounds, and fascinating dental machines. My imagination ran wild with adventures inside the mouth.

My uncle’s success was no accident—he was a naturally talented professional with a deep passion for dentistry and his farm, where he recharged on weekends by fishing and spending time with loved ones. He worked in his practice until 75 and is now retired.

Growing up, I was fortunate to see another side of dentistry through a fantastic pediatric dentist who sang throughout my appointments and had what seemed like fairy hands – as a child, I never noticed when he gave me anesthesia! He always appeared serene and joyful.

When I was around 10 years old, I fractured my front tooth while playing (image below). When that tooth was beautifully restored with composite, I was amazed by the transformative power of dentistry—it felt like magic to see what could be rebuilt.

The Impact of Stress in Dentistry

As I grew older, my understanding of dentistry deepened, especially when my older brother entered the profession. He was incredibly talented, and during his student years, he removed my wisdom teeth. Watching other students perform procedures left me mesmerized and sealed my choice of dentistry.

As I pursued my dental studies and my brother's practice grew, I began to see another side of dentistry—one marked by stress. After two decades in the field, the constant pressure and burnout led my brother to leave dentistry to pursue a career in foreign trade. While this decision was the right one for him, it meant the loss of a gifted practitioner.

Mental Health in Dentistry: A Silent Crisis

In my own career, as an empath, I found clinical practice to be an emotional and mental rollercoaster.

My passion for research became evident as I pursued a Master’s and then a PhD. Leaving clinical practice for research, I realized how much anxiety I had carried. It was a profound moment to recognize how my profession had contributed to stress and how little I was aware of my mental health.

Mental health in dentistry is often overlooked. Many dental professionals tend to push through the daily challenges without acknowledging the impact on their physical and mental well-being.

The demands of the profession, combined with the high expectations placed on dentists, can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and, eventually, burnout.

Personal Reflections: The Cost of Ignoring Chronic Stress

I have three cousins who also studied dentistry. Unfortunately, one of them left the profession a few years after graduating.

Sometimes I wonder, what if all dentists chose to leave the profession? Our oral and general health would be at risk.

We need dentists who are both happy and fulfilled. Most dentists are unaware of their daily stress levels—they see it as normal and don’t recognize the constant flow of adrenaline and cortisol affecting their physiological state. This isn’t sustainable, and often the end result is burnout or chronic diseases.

Finding Balance: Dentistry and Mental Well-Being

My journey into integrating body and mind through science led me to become a health coach. As I applied stress reduction techniques to my own life, I discovered a passion for helping others manage their stress.

Most dentists I know are extremely dedicated professionals who sacrifice their well-being. However, dentistry can only thrive if practitioners prioritize their mental health and stress management.

We need professionals who can enjoy a long and joyful career. While most are devoted to mastering their clinical skills, few address the necessity of managing stress until it's too late.

The good news is that we only need a bit of time every day to help our bodies activate the relaxation response through the parasympathetic nervous system.

A Call to Action to Dental Practitioners: Prioritize Your Mental Health

This blog post is dedicated to every dentist I know—true warriors in the healthcare field. I hope you can maintain your passion for dentistry without sacrificing your health.

If you’re ready to take control of your mental well-being, I’m here to help. As a health coach teaching stress reduction for dental professionals, I can guide you on a journey to balance and tranquility.

Let's work together to create a healthier, happier you—because your health matters just as much as your patients'.

Ready to take control of your mental well-being and elevate your career?

Contact me today to start your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling professional life.

Plus, I offer a 2-hour masterclass designed specifically for dentists and their teams on proven physiological techniques to deactivate the fight-or-flight response.

Reach out now to learn more!