Coping with stress: Support for dentists

What you have told us about stress in dentistry

We know stress is a common challenge for our members. Almost half of dentists say stress in their jobs is exceeding their ability to cope, and the most stressful aspects of their work are related to regulation and fear of litigation from patients.

It's well-known that work-related stress can lead to a variety of negative consequences impacting a persons mental and physical health, including triggering or exacerbating conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Help managing stress in dentistry

There are many resources available to support dentists during periods of stress. BDA membership includes 24/7 access to Health Assured - a confidential service designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that are affecting your wellbeing.

The following resources listed below are available to all dentists, members and non-members, across the UK.

UK wide support

The following resources are available to all dentists across the UK:

ConfiDental 0333 987 5158
Confidential helpline for dentists.

The Dentists' Health Support Trust 020 7224 4671
Free advice and support on health, alcohol, drugs and other issues.

BREATHE Dental Wellness
A dedicated wellbeing platform for the entire oral health community, providing a one-stop hub for expert guidance, support, and resources.

Wellbeing Support for the Dental Team
A UK wide resource outlining how to assess your own mental health and wellbeing. It provides resources for self-care, including the range of organisations available to support you.

BDA Benevolent Fund
Available to help dentists and dental students who are experiencing financial difficulties.

BDA's branches and sections
Our network of branches and sections is a great way to meet and connect with dentists in your area. Get in touch with your local group to find out more.

Nation specific support

England

NHS England staff support includes a text message support service, wellbeing guides, app recommendations and events.

NHS Practitioner Health provides support and advice to doctors and dentists with mental or physical health concerns or addiction problems, especially where these might affect their work

SALUS is an NHS based provider of Occupational Health, Safety and Return to Work Services. It delivers occupational health and return to work services for GDPs and other members of the dental team.

Northern Ireland

The Family Support NI government website is a directory for help on a range of issues including bereavement, mental health and parenting support.

The General Dental Services Assistance Programme through Inspire NI offers wellbeing and mental health support specifically designed to meet the needs of GDPs in Northern Ireland. It includes a confidential helpline, off-site face-to-face counselling, as well as a range of digital tools and resources to support your wellbeing.

The Health App Library by the HSC NI in conjunction with The Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA) features a range of downloadable apps. You can learn about a wide range of topics including stress management, wellbeing improving sleep and keeping fit.

Lifeline is Northern Ireland’s free 24/7 crisis response helpline run by trained counsellors.

NIMDTA, the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency, offer a range of professional support resources for medical and dental staff.

Scotland

Healthy Working Lives tackles staff absences with the aim of creating a safe, healthy and more motivated workforce across Scotland.

The National Wellbeing Hub is for everyone working in health, social care and social work.

NHS 24 Living Life provides support over the phone using techniques based on CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).

NHS Inform offers guidance on how to manage low mood, anxiety, phobias, stress and where you can get help for these issues.

NHS Practitioner Health provides support and advice to doctors and dentists with mental or physical health concerns or addiction problems, especially where these might affect their work.

NHS Scotland has a summary of partner organisations with mental health and wellbeing resources for dental teams.

SALUS is an NHS based provider of Occupational Health, Safety and Return to Work Services. It delivers occupational health and return to work services for GDPs and other members of the dental team.

Turas offers wellbeing tools and resources as part of NHS Education for Scotland, including for the prevention of self-harm and suicide.

Wales

Non-dentistry support

Organisations that provide advice and support to anyone experiencing stress or related mental health issues.

Psychological distress / mental ill-health

Anxiety UK 03444 775 774
Support for people affected by anxiety disorders.

The Mental Health Foundation 020 7803 1100
Information on understanding and maintaining good mental health.

Mind 0300 102 1234
Support for those suffering from mental health problems.

Rethink Mental Illness 0808 801 0525
Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Samaritans 116 123
Confidential support for anyone who is struggling to cope, for whatever reason.

Sane 0300 304 7000
Resources and information on mental health.

Workplace stress prevention and management

ACAS
Free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. ACAS' advisory booklet stress at work investigates stress in the workplace and offers employers helpful advice.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 0300 003 1747
Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. Access the resources for work-related stress and read management standards to help organisations assess the risks of stress and identify solutions.

You are not alone

Connect with peers near you

Our more than 60 branches and sections connect dentists and teams locally, offering a varied programme of education as well as social events to network with peers. When you create a BDA account, you’ll automatically be assigned a branch based on your postal address, but you can opt in to receive details from any branch or section, perhaps closer to where you work?

Find your branch What's a BDA account?

Participants at a BDA branch event smiling towards the camera

Free to all

Free course: Tackling stress

Dental professionals are more likely than the general population to exhibit harmful symptoms of stress. This course will help you identify the triggers of work-related stress, how it can manifest physically and psychologically, and effective ways you can overcome it. 3h verifiable CPD, BDA account required.

Learn more About BDA accounts