The survey, which coincides with Stress Awareness Month, shows more than eight in ten dentists say their stress levels have increased due to workplace pressures, and around half say it’s negatively affected their health highlighting growing concerns about the wellbeing of the dental workforce.
Worryingly, this pressure is also likely to have an impact on patient safety, with more than a third of respondents saying stress increases their risk of making mistakes at work.
Staff shortages, rising patient expectations and fear of complaints are among the key factors creating an increasingly unsustainable working environment. More than four in ten dental professionals say they are not confident workplace pressures will improve over the next year.
Responding to the survey, one Dentist said:“I provide NHS care in a rural practice. We are constantly short staffed and overwhelmed with patients’ expectations. I earn a fraction of what my private colleagues do yet I’m held to the same standards with none of the resources. It’s exhausting.”
Tiredness also remains a concern. One in four dental professionals say they regularly feel sleep deprived at work. Not being able to take a break due to high patient demand and staff shortages, and struggling to switch off after work, were cited as the main causes of fatigue.
Commenting on the findings, Simon Kidd, Head of the DDU said:
“These findings paint a stark picture of a dental workforce being pushed to the limit. Dental professionals hold themselves to the highest standards and want to provide the best possible care for their patients but high pressure, staff shortages and increasing patient expectations are leaving many exhausted and demoralised.
“Dental professionals make important clinical decisions every day, but doing that under pressure, without enough rest or support, is not only damaging for their wellbeing but can have serious implications for patient safety.
“It’s deeply concerning that so many dental professionals are considering reducing their hours or leaving the profession altogether. Retaining skilled and experienced clinicians must be a priority if we are to maintain safe and effective patient care.”
Below is a selection of responses from respondents to the survey:
Dental specialist: “Increased intensity at work to complete additional work, working in own time, having to prioritise tasks rather than being able to complete them all.”
Foundation Dentist: “I’ve considered if this was the right profession for me due to increased patient expectations, caring more about patients’ oral health than they do themselves and fear of litigation - concluded that it was due to my passion for actually helping people.”
This page was correct at publication on 22/04/2026. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.