alternatives to trousers and reconsidering white uniforms during unpredictable perimenopausal cycles can reduce unnecessary stress. Office climate and environmental adjustments such as improved ventilation, access to fans or air conditioning, and private spaces for short restorative breaks significantly enhance comfort. The Importance of “Building Your Village” “A professional woman wears many hats. Beyond being clinicians, mothers, daughters, wives, many are business owners,” says Dr. Agarwal. “Just as we are experts of the oral cavity and yet we continue to take CE courses to stay current clinically, there are other courses and experts in related fields that can help support women team members through menopause. Be sure to build that village as well.” She shares a significant realization about the importance of having a village after an unexpected foot surgery: “I came to understand then that just as I depended on crutches for physical aid, there were occasions when I needed comparable support systems in my life,” she says. Dr. Agarwal’s personal “physiology village” now includes a multidisciplinary support team. Sleep, balanced nutrition, exercise, yoga, meditation and breathwork are central to her resilience. “Parts of me are the same and parts of me are very different. Therefore, things have changed. But a book with only one chapter repeated over and over would be very boring. Menopause should not be seen as a decline; rather it is an evolution,” says Dr. Agarwal. Many women today are balancing menopause with active parenting and caregiving responsibilities. Formal and informal support helps determine whether women recalibrate or withdraw. A workplace that fosters understanding and openness must always be balanced with respect for individual choice. How much a woman team member reveals are part of how she is handling her menopause journey. Some women find such open dialogue liberating while others prefer discretion. A supportive workplace allows for both. Prioritizing the health and wellness of female dentists and team members strengthens the profession. By fostering safe spaces, encouraging open yet respectful dialogue, empowering office managers, supporting women’s peer groups, and promoting the intentional building of personal “physiology villages,” dental workplaces can ensure that experienced professionals remain engaged, confident and valued. Changes to Implement in Your Dental Practice to Help Team Members Navigate Menopause Magnifying glass at medication stations No-interruption zones for medication areas Digital task lists per appointment Visual and written checklists Morning coverage review meetings Detailed cupboard organization Individual desk fans Cooling cloths in the fridge Hydration reminder signs Hygiene products in washroom Warm lighting in staff room Blue-light filters and anti‑glare screens Reset zone near a window Shoe allowance in uniform budget Dr. Seema Agarwal, is associate dentist at Dentistry at the Mill in Brampton, Ontario. yourmouthandmore.com yourmouthandmore 31 Issue 3 | 2026 | Supporting Your Practice
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