psychology and mental HEAlTH in dentistry

psychology and mental HEAlTH in dental practice

By Lina and Aicha

Introduction

Dentist & patient

Dental students

Solutions

Conclusion

introduction

Psychology is “the scientific study of the mind and how it dictates and influences our behaviour, both conscious and unconscious phenomena, from communication and memory to thought and emotion.”

Why it is important to care about our mental health?

Mental health refers to our psychological well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Just like physical health, that's why it's important to take care of our mental health to lead a fulfilling life. Mental health is influenced by various factors, including genetics, life experiences, and family history.

Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. C.S. Louis

mental health of the Dentist

The dentist

Highest suicide rate!!

One study showed that within medecine, dentists hold the highest suicide rate! In fact, dentists exhibit higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and yes, suicide. This actually may be related to four main factors:

Why do dentists frequently experience depression?

Daily work hours

Monotoned work environment

Dentists usually follow the rule of “the more hours you work the more money you make”

Working in the same office every day for many years is very likely to be a cause of anxiety and depression

Interactions with patients

Overwhelming thinking

Dentists face many types of patients, from sensitive and emotional as of children, to ones developping high levels of phobia and dental anxiety, and the patients presenting systemic diseases

Dentistry requires attention to detail and careful planning to achieve optimal outcomes, yet dentists do not get enough time to clear their mind.

the relationship between the dentist and the patient

Dental anxiety

Dental anxiety is defined as the fear, anxiety or stress associated with a dental setting, instruments, such as needles or drills.

Solutions:

• Putting the patient in control of the appointment, such as allowing them to dictate start and stop times.
• Physical relaxation with breathing techniques and pleasant aromas for example

Children

Some children can experience fear about even thinking about the dentist, it may be caused by:

• The memory of a previous painful experience.
• The sight or feel of dental instruments on their teeth

Solutions:

• Look for topics beyond the dental visit that can stimulate the child's interest, such as favorite cartoons, school subjects, hobbies, foods or games
• Having a special dental chair for children.

Systemic diseases

Some systemic diseases have a big influence on dental treatments, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This type of patients requires more attention and extra precautions to ensure the safety of the patient during dental procedures as it requires special types of treatments

Solutions:

Collaborating with the patient's healthcare team and maintaining open communication.

Trust

Hygiene

Good dentist-patient relationship

Respect

Attending

Understanding

mental health of the Dental students

Study challenges

The mental health of medical students is an important aspect to consider. The rigorous academic curriculum, long hours of study, and the pressure to perform well can sometimes take a toll on their well-being. Medical students often face high levels of stress and anxiety due to the volume of coursework, clinical requirements, and the responsibility of patient care. . Additionally, the competitive nature of dental school can create a sense of comparison and self-doubt among students. This can impact their self-esteem and contribute to feelings of imposter syndrome

Let's answer some questions!

Start

How do you manage the stress of dental school?

Have you ever sought psychological help or thought to?

How many times have you had thoughts about quitting?

Do you think that study challenges you're facing now can affect your future career?

Do you see yourself as a psychologically strong dentist or not?

Solutions

How to manage stress in dental school?

Self-care

Time management

Take breaks, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and eat well. These simple acts can make a big difference in managing stress

Create a schedule to prioritize your tasks and allocate time for studying, self-care, and relaxation

Seek support

Set realistic expectations

Connect with classmates, friends, or family who understand the challenges you're facing. Share your feelings and concerns with them.

Remember that you're human and it's okay to make mistakes. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect

conclusion

In conclusion...

Dentists, like any healthcare professionals, can face challenges when it comes to their mental health. The nature of their work, which involves working closely with patients and often dealing with dental anxiety or phobias, can sometimes take a toll on their own well-being. It's important for us to prioritize our mental health and seek support when needed.

If you only see the worst, you will miss out the best.