A career in dentistry can be very rewarding, but it has been known to be quite stressful. For nearly a century, the idea that dentists have the highest suicide rate among professions has been widely accepted. But is there any truth to this assumption? The answer is no; dental professionals are not at greater risk of suicide than other professionals. It's important to remember that each race has its own contributing factors and stressful environments that can lead to depression. What really matters is how you approach these situations and how you respond to adversity.
Setting boundaries, respecting yourself, and taking time away from work can help you achieve a less stressful career. Don't let worries consume you; you're not doomed. In a 1996 study, it was reported that dentists had a higher suicide rate than other professions. However, Alexander found that the analysis was flawed due to the use of rumors, public perceptions, and outdated practice information. While statistics on dentists and suicides can be debated, there is no doubt that stress in the dental profession is a valid concern. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with suicide makes it a difficult subject for doctors and dentists who see themselves as healers of society.
In a recent report, dentists were ranked 12th in terms of suicide risk, grouped with doctors and other health professionals. To address this issue, peer intervention and programs are available to help dentists better cope with risks that lead to suicide. Taking regular breaks from work and disconnecting from work can also help reduce stress. While there may be some connection between dentistry and suicide, there is no reliable evidence to support that dentists are number one when it comes to suicides among professionals. Confinement in a small room without windows compared to larger institutions may be one of the reasons dentists are at risk for depression.
But this does not mean that dentists are more likely to commit suicide. Regardless of how dentists rank in various reports, they are vulnerable and should not hesitate to ask for help when faced with difficult times. This can not only affect the well-being of professionals, but it can also negatively influence the perceptions of patients and students who consider dentistry as a possible career path. Talking to someone who is having suicidal thoughts won't make them more likely to end their life; spending time listening without prejudice can really help. Remembering boundaries, respecting yourself, and taking time away from work can help you achieve a less stressful career. Dentists should not hesitate to ask for help when faced with difficult times.
