Dentistry is a profession that is often feared and misunderstood, and this can lead to anxiety and depression for dentists. The relentless pursuit of perfection and permanence in an inhospitable oral environment is one of the main causes of stress and frustration for dentists. The stress of perfection is instilled in dental school, but it should be tempered with the understanding that the most perfect restoration will eventually become imperfect due to the patient's time and carelessness, despite the dentist's efforts. Yes, dentistry is a depressing job, as it is a job of high stress and anxiety.
Dentists and others with high-stress jobs may be particularly susceptible to depression. While a career in dentistry can be very rewarding, it has been characterized by being very stressful. The origin of the notion that dentists are particularly prone to suicide is uncertain, but it seems to be traced back to media reports and general misinformation that began in the 1920s. A 2004 survey of 3,500 dentists showed that 38 percent reported that they were worried or anxious, often or always, and 34 percent said they were often or always physically or emotionally exhausted.
Health workers, including dentists, rank 11th on CDC's list of 30 occupations most likely to commit suicide. In a private study conducted by the Journal of the American Dental Association with 3,500 dentists, the results showed that 38% of these dentists felt anxious and worried. To be honest, running a dental clinic is really difficult beyond what people think, as running the clinic would require highly knowledgeable dentists, as well as a team and staff to support management and patients. Dentistry is a high-stress profession, the demands of dentistry begin in dental school, and once a dentist enters clinical practice, they realize they are exposed to a greater number and variety of stressors than ever before. Factors found to influence dentists' suicide ranged from known occupational stressors to toxin and substance abuse, and untreated mental health problems. Although dentists' suicide is declining, diversity in methodology means that a current consensus is not possible.
For dentists, the nature of the profession could be a major factor in the development of depression. To sum up, it is clear that dentistry can be an incredibly stressful profession. The relentless pursuit of perfection combined with negative public perception can lead to anxiety and depression for many dentists. It is important for those considering a career in dentistry to understand the potential risks associated with this profession.
