A recent study has revealed that all dental nurses surveyed find their work in dentistry highly stressful, with an overwhelming 92% reporting experiences of burnout. Many described their mental and physical states in distressing terms, with one nurse expressing feelings of being “exhausted, frustrated and very anxious,” while another shared they were constantly “on edge, unable to switch off, anxious, overwhelmed, out of control.”
The study highlighted several common causes behind these struggles, including a pervasive sense of being undervalued by both clinicians and patients, difficulties within team dynamics, and poor communication. One nurse explained the isolating nature of the job, stating that as the only dental nurse in their workplace, they lacked someone to talk to during or after challenging interactions with patients.
Undervaluation was also linked to inadequate pay, with some nurses feeling that dentists and patients do not fully grasp the pressures they endure, which is reflected in their salaries. Alongside financial concerns, many dental nurses criticized the poor work-life balance in their profession. One participant noted that nearly all dental nurses they knew experienced burnout to some degree. Annual leave policies were cited as a key factor contributing to this imbalance, with some nurses pointing out that the standard four weeks of leave for full-time work was insufficient and negatively impacted their wellbeing. Long working hours further exacerbated the issue, leaving little time in the evenings for relaxation or personal enjoyment.
The physical and mental toll of the job was a recurring theme, with nurses describing their roles as demanding intense concentration for extended periods. Heavy workloads left many feeling overwhelmed and unable to refuse additional tasks. Furthermore, the lack of proper training to handle stress, interact with the public, and manage real-life workplace challenges was noted by the researchers, contributing to widespread feelings of insecurity among the nurses.
As a result, many dental nurses reported a daily struggle with confidence. Statements such as “I worry about if I have done everything right and if I am good enough,” and “I lose my confidence and things spiral. I find it hard to carry on,” painted a picture of professionals trapped in cycles of self-doubt and anxiety. Several nurses admitted feeling cornered with no easy way out of their difficult emotional state.
The study also found that most dental nurses lacked effective support systems to cope with work-related pressures. Finding someone to discuss work problems with was challenging, as many believed that those outside the profession could not fully understand their experiences. Even within dental teams, there was uncertainty about whom to trust, which bred further apprehension. Support from friends and family was limited because they “really just don’t get it,” and many nurses felt unable to approach management out of fear of appearing incompetent.
One hopeful avenue suggested by the study was increased mentorship opportunities. While 95% of nurses agreed that mentorship would be beneficial, most had little or no knowledge of how mentoring worked. Concerns about feeling comfortable with a mentor and fears of inadequacy compared to them also emerged as barriers to pursuing such support.
Overall, the findings underscore a significant burnout crisis among dental nurses, driven by undervaluation, workload pressures, lack of support, and inadequate work-life balance, with a strong call for improved mental health resources and mentorship programs within the profession.
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