However, Dr. Metcalfe warns that moving from one job to another does not always solve the underlying issues. She stresses the importance of asking the right questions and understanding both the internal and external factors that contribute to job satisfaction. “Otherwise, we could be just trading out one toxic culture for another,” she says. Moving Forward: Navigating Change in Dentistry As the health care professions, including dentistry, continues to evolve, Dr. Metcalfe believes that it is essential to embrace change rather than resist it. The landscape of dentistry is shifting, with new challenges and opportunities emerging. This period presents an opportunity to reimagine how health care professionals work and how teams’ function within these settings. This process allows dentists to evaluate where they want their teams to be in the future. It may involve redefining roles and responsibilities, adjusting expectations, and making difficult decisions. “That might mean changing certain people’s responsibilities to be able to amplify their strengths,” she says. Ultimately, the goal is to create a work environment where health care professionals can thrive, free from the debilitating effects of burnout. This requires a commitment to ongoing reflection, open communication, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. As Dr. Metcalfe aptly puts it, “you’re allowed to take a step back, look at the picture as a whole, and recognize if I’m in for a bumpy ride right now, it’s okay. And it won’t be that way indefinitely.” With the right strategies in place, health care professionals can navigate the complexities of burnout and emerge stronger on the other side. The key is to remain vigilant, proactive, and open to the changes that lie ahead. By recognizing the significant impacts of burnout and fostering a culture of openness and support, health care workplaces can not only survive these challenges but thrive in the long run. The Consequences of Unmanaged Burnout If burnout is not effectively managed, it can have severe consequences for workplace dynamics. Dr. Metcalfe outlines several potential outcomes, including increased conflict within teams, decreased unity, and a general decline in team morale. “It can manifest in a few different ways. One is that you could look at your team dynamics and you could see just a bunch of people butting heads and feeling as if there’s no cohesion anymore,” she says. When team members are burnt out, they may become more prone to conflicts, leading to a breakdown in team communication and collaboration. Dr. Metcalfe emphasizes that one of the most significant challenges in addressing burnout is the reluctance to engage in difficult conversations. “Some people don’t feel comfortable stepping in and having those because that’s what they are—they’re difficult conversations for a reason,” she says. These conversations, while uncomfortable, are necessary for identifying the root causes of burnout and finding solutions. “In order to get to the other side to see a change, open difficult conversations are needed to be able to build psychological safety,” she says. The long-term effects of burnout on workplace culture cannot be underestimated. A toxic culture—characterized by poor communication, lack of trust and high turnover— can perpetuate burnout and make it difficult for teams to function effectively. Dr. Metcalfe advises dentists, as leaders of a team of staff, to take a proactive approach by regularly assessing the culture within their organizations and making necessary adjustments to support their teams. “When it comes to culture, it isn’t just a set of values that you put up on your website, it is the stories that you hear from patients and staff,” she says. Dr. Metcalfe discusses dental team burnout on CDA Oasis at: bit.ly/40K38FX By recognizing the significant impacts of burnout and fostering a culture of openness and support, health care workplaces can not only survive these challenges but thrive in the long run. 30 | 2025 | Issue 2 Supporting Your Practice
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