Research already undertaken by the BDA has shown that stress in the dental profession is on the rise, while job satisfaction is in decline. BDA research in the summer of 2014, showed that around 39 per cent of community dentists and almost half of GDPs reported high levels of work related stress, compared with an average of around 15 per cent for British workers.
The BDA has now committed to ensuring that dentists are supported, and will seek to tackle the underlying reasons for low levels of morale and job satisfaction as part of its strategy for the next three years.
Over the next two years, the BDA will be carrying out research on dentists’ experiences of mental health and burnout, and the impact these can have on their work and career. The research will inform BDA work to promote the well-being of dentists at work and support those who experience burnout or mental health problems.
The Chair of the BDA’s Principal Executive Committee, Mick Armstrong, said:
“For too long stress and anxiety in the dental profession have not received the recognition they deserve. We’ve all seen the cost; with friends, colleagues and in our own working lives. Low morale is a real issue that can impact on both patients and practitioners, and we are determined to draw a line.
“We already know that well-being among the dental population is significantly lower than the general population. We intend to build on our existing work so that we can ensure dentists get the support they need when they need it, and so we can start tackling these problems at source.
“We are in the process of finalising our strategy for the next three years. As a trade union and professional organisation we are resolved to put the well-being of our members and our profession at the forefront of our efforts.”