From burnout to balance: Breaking through chronic stress in dentistry

Burnout among dental professionals is a real and increasing concern. The compounded stressors of complex patient care, insurance and regulatory demands and staffing can take a significant toll on mental health, making it harder for you and your team to properly take care of yourselves or your patients.

To help navigate these challenges, start by understanding key contributors to stress and burnout in dental practices. Discover practical, evidence-based strategies to manage stress, including mindfulness and breathwork. Explore how strong leadership, clear communication and an upbeat, productive work environment can positively affect you, your team and your patients.

Take away actionable tools to build resilience, reduce chronic stress and achieve a more balanced and fulfilling professional life.

Learning outcomes:

1. Recognize the early signs and symptoms of stress and burnout among dental professionals.
2. Implement practical strategies, including mindfulness and communication techniques, to manage daily stress for clinicians and patients.
3. Foster a positive work environment to enhance retention and support long-term well-being and quality patient care.

Sheila Yaghmai, DDS, MPH, is a clinical assistant professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry. She serves as a group practice director, teaching in the treatment planning clinic and overseeing students’ patient management. Driven by her commitment to wellness and informed by her public health background, Dr. Yaghmai founded the Integrative Mind Body Wellness Initiative (IMBWI). The initiative promotes self-care, resilience and stress-management skills among UCLA dental students. Dr. Yaghmai currently serves as IMBWI’s director and she’s also an active member of CDA, the Iranian Dental Association and several other professional organizations and community outreach initiatives. Outside of academia, Dr. Yaghmai is a strong advocate for physical and mental well-being and is passionate about promoting a healthy work-life balance among students, colleagues and healthcare peers.

Connect with Dr. Yaghmai:
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