Mental Health and Well-being in Dentistry
Several aspects of dentistry mean that oral health professionals (OHPs) are exposed to anxiety, worry, and stress, which can result in serious mental health issues and an increase in addictive behaviours. These situations can affect the quality of care provided, impacting negatively patients’ well-being.
Studies have shown that up to 87% of dental practitioners suffer symptoms of burnout in the United Kingdom¹ and according to a study published in 2020, 32% of physicians and dentists working mainly in middle-income countries experienced professional burnout².
Continued efforts towards mental health awareness
The first phase of FDI’s mental health and wellbeing project ran from September 2021 to September 2022. Given the increasing concerns about mental health challenges faced by the oral health workforce, this project remains a priority for FDI.
This next phase of the project will build on the Digital Toolkit for Mental Health and Well-being for Dental Teams, developed in phase I, and will aim to expand our reach to dental students exposed to high levels of stress and burnout.
Mental Health Resources for Dental Students
FDI World Dental Federation has developed a suite of mental health and well-being resources to create a more supportive, connected, and healthy learning environment for dental students globally. The resources translate student voices and evidence-based insights into practical tools that help students recognize common mental health challenges, build supportive peer networks, and access appropriate help when needed.
New e-Learning Course on Mental Health in Dentistry
The FDI World Dental Federation’s e-Learning course “Managing mental health from dental school to dental practice” is now live.
This free, interactive course is designed for dental students and professionals, providing practical skills to understand the mental health crisis in dentistry and to protect yourself, your peers, and the wider dental community.
Related content
Digital Toolkit
This toolkit aims to improve mental health and well-being by providing guidance on actions that can be taken to improve the well-being of dental team members.
Dental Check-up : Mental Health Series
This three-part series, focuses on mental health in the dental workplace, and is hosted by renowned expert Prof. Tim Newton who has worked as a psychologist in dentistry for over 30…
Wellness Resource Development Plan
This guide aims to help National Dental Associations develop mental health programmes to support dental professionals.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing in Dentistry project is supported by:
The MPS Foundation
Dental Protection
Dental Protection in partnership with the MPS Foundation