How colleagues are coping

Against this background, some dental professionals are increasingly using coping mechanisms to handle the demands of everyday practice. Andrew Chandrapal is a practice principal and DDU council member, and is acutely aware of the need to manage workplace pressure.

"I try to ensure I give myself breaks during the day and avoid the temptation to book patients during lunch breaks or after work," he says. "I aim to take a break every couple of hours, take some deep breaths and have a stroll. As clinicians, we can find it difficult to turn off, but I try to do something totally different when I'm not working."

Here are some of Andrew's other tips for coping under stress:

1: Communication is key

"Dentists can be very good at hiding their feelings or stresses when in busy working environments. It is essential to find a 'safe' group of people or a person of whom they can confide in. This may be a partner, friend, colleague or even someone more official. Voicing your feelings means someone hears it and so can help - Without this, managing ourselves through tough times can be very difficult."

2: Try not to 'sway' to all of the varied needs of your patients.

"We are all busy in clinical practice. At times, access to patient care has been limited and so it seems as though the flood gates have truly opened. Try to ensure you give yourself breaks during the day. Do not book patients during your lunchtime or after work. Ensure you take a break every couple of hours even if it for a few deep breaths and a stroll around the surgery."

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