Take care

Dentists’ Provident undertook an online survey earlier this year that revealed that dentists aren’t taking enough breaks or drinking enough water during a working day. This could not only affect an individual’s ability to practise, but also have an impact on their health and wellbeing.

Dentists’ Provident’s annual claims statistics demonstrate that many of the health issues dentist’s experience are for conditions that are potentially preventable, such as musculoskeletal issues. While some of these conditions may be harder to combat – due to the physical nature of the role – simple everyday habits that could have an effect on an individual’s health are easier to change.  

Nearly 70 per cent of dentists who completed the survey only drank half a litre of water a day or less, and over 50 per cent said they didn’t drink anything else during the day. The association of UK dietitians states that every day men should drink 2L of water and women 1.6L, and that not having enough fluid can cause dehydration and that can lead to a variety of health issues.