# Me, we, they: identifying the key stressors affecting the dental team

## TL;DR

This study explores the main stressors affecting the mental health of the UK dental workforce, highlighting the need for system-level changes to improve wellbeing.

## Contribution

The paper provides new qualitative insights into stress and burnout in the UK dental team, emphasizing macro-level factors.

## Key findings

- Six key stressors were identified: workload, NHS system issues, regulatory compliance, financial pressures, leadership, and self-worth.
- Most stressors are attributed to macro-level factors beyond individual control.
- Reactive approaches to mental health are insufficient; system-wide interventions are urgently needed.

## Abstract

Introduction The mental health and wellbeing of the dental workforce is essential in providing oral healthcare services which are sustainable, safe and of the highest quality. Yet, there remains a lack of qualitative studies exploring the factors that negatively affect wellbeing in dentistry in the United Kingdom, not least in regard to the views and experiences of the wider dental team.

Aim The aim of this paper is to identify and explore the factors that contribute to stress and burnout within dental teams as reported through the MINDSET U.K. Survey 2023.

Method Qualitative data were collected in an online questionnaire which provided an opportunity for respondents to provide a free-text response. Following an inductive approach, thematic analysis was used to synthesise the findings.

Results In total, 1,507 responses were received, of which 287 included a valid free-text response. The sample included 203 dentists, 69 dental care professionals, 13 practice managers/receptionists and two respondents who did not select a professional group. Six themes were identified from the data: workload; NHS system; regulatory compliance, patient complaints and litigation; financial pressures; leadership and management; and self-worth.

Conclusion Current reactive approaches to dealing with the mental health and wellbeing of dental healthcare workers are insufficient. Measures need to be urgently developed and implemented to reduce or mitigate the contributing factors at the macro (system) level. These need to be considered as a priority in order to create the working conditions necessary to allow all members of the dental team to develop, flourish and feel valued.

A significant proportion of the dental workforce are unhappy and unfulfilled in their role, with concerning levels of despair among some respondents who appear to be suffering serious mental health issues, including suicidal ideation.The main stressors identified can be largely attributed to macro-level factors, suggesting that the contributors to poor mental health and wellbeing predominantly sit outside of the locus of control of most individuals.Current reactive approaches to dealing with the mental health and wellbeing of dental healthcare workers are insufficient to address the macro-level factors.Prioritisation of policy and system-wide interventions, in addition to individual and team-based solutions, are urgently required.

A significant proportion of the dental workforce are unhappy and unfulfilled in their role, with concerning levels of despair among some respondents who appear to be suffering serious mental health issues, including suicidal ideation.

The main stressors identified can be largely attributed to macro-level factors, suggesting that the contributors to poor mental health and wellbeing predominantly sit outside of the locus of control of most individuals.

Current reactive approaches to dealing with the mental health and wellbeing of dental healthcare workers are insufficient to address the macro-level factors.

Prioritisation of policy and system-wide interventions, in addition to individual and team-based solutions, are urgently required.