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Volume 1 Issue 5
S
upporting
Y
our
P
ractice
Unfortunately, the stigma in our society associated
with mental illness still exists. Many people, including
dentists, do not want their community to know about
their mental health struggles. “Yet mental illnesses are
no different than any other illnesses, and they’re very
common,” says Dr. David Clark, clinic director of dental
services at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health
Sciences and Council member of the Royal College of
Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). “Dentists should
not be afraid to talk about it. They can get help and still
run their practices.”
Feeling the pressure
Running a dental practice and providing health care
can bring its share of daily stressors—managerial
responsibilities, financial concerns, patient acquisition
and retention, patient expectations and more. Without
appropriate coping mechanisms, chronic stress can
have a major impact on dentists’ physical and mental
health.
Dentists who do not have associates or colleagues
to alleviate some of that stress—by bouncing
off ideas or discussing frustrations—may also feel
isolated.
20
%
12
100
/
!
23
%
20%
(7 million) of
Canadians experience
mental illness in their
lifetime.
1
Women are
2x
more
likely than men to
experience depression.
2
12%
of Canadians
experience an anxiety
disorder in their lifetime.
2
20
%
12
100
/
!
23
%
20
%
12
100
/
!
23
%
23%
of Canadians find most
days to be quite or extremely
stressful.
3
Between
10%
and
15%
of
dentists in the United States
have an alcohol or drug
problem.
4
Mental illnesses are no different than any other illnesses,
and they’re very common. Dentists should not be afraid to
talk about it. They can get help and still run their practices.
Maintaining status quo
Of the barriers that could prevent a dentist from
seeking help, the struggle to find a replacement to run
their practice in their absence is significant. However,
“there are a lot of semi-retired or retired dentists who
could be interested in taking care of one’s practice
while they take a leave of absence,” notes Dr. Clark.
“A lot of dentists want to retire gradually. There is an
important group of senior clinicians who would be
willing to do that.” And there is no need to disclose
the reason behind the leave of absence if you are
uncomfortable discussing it.
Some dentists may also be worried that their license
could be revoked if they are diagnosed with a mental
illness or seek assistance for a mental health problem.
Dr. Clark wants to reassure dentists that regulatory
bodies will go a long way to help and support their
members. “Dentists and regulatory authorities can
work together,” adds Dr. Marcel Van Woensel, registrar
of the Manitoba Dental Association. “By doing so,
we can also ensure the best interests of patients and
the public are protected.”
David Clark