Exhaustion crossover between dentist and dental nurse

Occupational burnout can be defined as a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Occupational burnout is unfortunately a relatively common problem among healthcare professions, not least of all within dentistry. The management of difficult patients, in a time-pressured environment, with the strain of running a business, is a recipe for stress and exhaustion. It is perhaps not surprising, therefore, that psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are frequently found within the dental team.

Stress, however, is not always bad. Sometimes stressful situations can encourage individuals to perform at a higher standard than they usually would, or it can motivate them to improve and learn. Therefore, to be productive stress must be used in a positive way and be at a level which is appropriate for the individual to manage. Some people can tolerate stress better that others, and factors such as one's home life or personal health can greatly influence a person's coping mechanisms.