Abstract
Executive Summary Dental professionals experience significant stress and burnout due to high patient expectations, challenging patients, employee management issues, and insurance complexities. Dr. Margaret Gingrich outlines Christina Maslach's six stages of burnout, from the honeymoon phase to reduced personal accomplishment. Recovery requires intentional rest following the "rule of 42" - dedicating 42% of daily time to various forms of rest, including physical, emotional, sensory, mental, spiritual, social, and creative restoration. Key strategies involve setting boundaries, saying no, taking breaks, seeking social support, and, when necessary, terminating problematic patient relationships. The Michigan Dental Association and American Dental Association provide wellness resources, including counseling services and apps like Talkspace Go, to support dental professionals' mental health and well-being.
Recommended Citation
Gingrich, Margaret S. D.D.S.
(2025)
"Stress and Burnout: Is there a ‘Happily Ever After’?,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 107:
No.
6, Article 9.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol107/iss6/9
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