A personal perspective

In August 2024, I made a subtle reference to my struggles with mental health – a quiet note to the profound effect that covert bullying and the pressures of leadership had on my wellbeing. Outwardly, my year had been filled with professional triumphs – celebrated across social media. Yet, behind the scenes, I was grappling with depression and anxiety, denying their hold over me for months. The stark contrast between public perception and private reality is something many dental professionals, can, unfortunately, relate to.

The reality of bullying in dentistry

Bullying within the dental profession is seldom addressed openly – unless it is anonymously on social media and professional forums. Research by Carter et al. (2013) highlights that healthcare professionals, including oral health professionals, experience workplace bullying at alarming rates, leading to mental health deterioration. The repercussions are extensive - reduced job satisfaction, increased absences, and in more severe cases, the departure of skilled professionals from the industry (Hoel & Cooper, 2000).