The print version of the Telegraph has reported a new study on the links between gum disease and the risk of chronic health conditions, claiming “gum disease increases the risk of developing mental health problems by more than a third.” The study, led by researchers at the University of Birmingham, found a link between the two, but … Read more
In our profession, there has always been a big push through December leading into the holiday season, which can be both mentally and physically taxing for the entire practice team. This year, the impact of this hectic time was further amplified by our second full year of maneuvering amid a global pandemic. Aside from being … Read more
The thickness of growth marks in primary (or “baby”) teeth may help identify children at risk for depression and other mental health disorders later in life, according to researchers at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. The results of this study were published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers believe the findings could lead to the development of a much-needed … Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic has given the dental industry an opportunity to discuss many topics, including the importance of mental health. During the Data Driven Dentistry survey last year, 21 percent of dentists responded that the one positive thing they could take away from their pandemic experience was spending more time with family and living life … Read more
Global research from Colgate-Palmolive Company, the worldwide leader in oral care, reveals the effect of childhood cavities on children and parents’ quality of life and wellbeing, offering a compelling reason to prioritize oral health education during National Dental Hygiene Month and beyond. Colgate conducted a survey of more than 20,000 parents across 12 countries to … Read more
Dental practices nationwide are facing shortages in qualified staff, in large part because of the pandemic that’s resulted in more people having second thoughts about their careers. In fact, in a survey published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene, 8% of dental hygienists have left the industry since the onset of the pandemic. While there’s … Read more
Dental school, like any professional educational program, is challenging. Students are expected to develop their manual dexterity skills and maintain a heavy course load, which makes it difficult to maintain the balanced and healthy lifestyle that they know is important. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that a high occurrence of depression, anxiety and … Read more
As fourth-year DDS students enter their final year on campus, they will be heading to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to complete a clinical rotation. While third-year DDS students are given the option to do a one-week clinical rotation at CAMH, every fourth-year student is required to attend for one day. “One … Read more
Before he played Walter White, actor Bryan Cranston played the lothario dentist Tim Whatley on NBC’s “Seinfeld”. While little about Whatley is realistic, the character touches on mental health issues in the dental profession; namely, the stereotype that dentists have the “highest suicide rate of any profession.”1 Even though this is an urban legend, “Seinfeld” … Read more
A mother’s mental health may play a larger role in a child’s toothbrushing habits than previously thought. It is no secret that brushing your teeth twice a day is highly effective in promoting healthy teeth and gums. The International Association of Pediatric Dentistry advocates brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride to prevent decayed, missing, or filled … Read more
The conditions created for the healthcare industry in 2020 have created substantial pressures for professionals within the industry—dental hygienists and other dental professionals included. A 2021 journal published in the BMC Journal of Systematic Reviews found that, globally, there is huge scope for dental hygienists feeling extra pressure—socially, professionally and ethically. The pressures put on hygienists are greater … Read more
“Smile and the world smiles with you, cry and you cry alone,” goes the song. For decades, singers have crooned about the power of smiling to make you feel better. With the pandemic and increases of anxiety and depression, smiling and optimism don’t come easily these days. But a new study to be published in … Read more
I have been a dentist for 30 years but only practised for seven. I spent more than 20 years in the regulatory sector, and taught oral health professional students in six post-secondary institutions and medical students at two universities. I also have mental illness. After I was interviewed recently for a feature article in another … Read more
Most people don’t realize that the dental profession is one of the most at-risk for mental health disorders. These include depression, anxiety, and negative effects of stress. Mental health in dentistry can often be considered a taboo subject, but it has been ignored for too long. To understand the serious nature of this problem, you … Read more
INTRODUCTION Studies on occupational stress in healthcare professionals are not new, however limited information is available on stress impact and ultimately burnout in oral and maxillofacial surgeons and residents.1,2 Occupational stress is the outcome of the clash between job-related factors interacting with personal factors with a resulting change to the individuals’ physical or psychological state.2 … Read more
I was so mad, I couldn’t see straight. He was blinded by love. I have thought about where these phrases came from after enjoying a wonderful article titled Tame Reactive Emotions By Naming Them by Mitch Abblett. I do a lot of reading about how our brains work with respect to dealing with our emotions … Read more
The last year has been chaotic for a myriad of reasons, and there can’t be many people around who haven’t suffered as a result. The most common damage, of course, is psychological. People have lost loved ones, been left in professional limbo or outright unemployed, and had to remain stuck at home for long stretches … Read more
You’re half an hour behind and you have three hygiene checks to perform. Mrs. Brown’s implant crown popped off while an assistant was taking an impression, not to mention the servers are down and the receptionists are panicking. Your heart is pounding, you’re getting heart burn, and your stress is overwhelming. What do you do? … Read more
We wanted a fresh start – but it began with a fizzle. Does 2021 appear to be a 2020 on repeat? Starting with good physical health can influence good mental health. If you want to make 2020 be forgettable – make 2021 be unstoppable. 1. Visualize good things. Without a vision the people perish – … Read more
2020 brought tremendous change, hardship, and loss for a great many of us. We were catapulted out of our comfort zones as we had to adjust to the new normal. With a new year around the corner, we have a unique opportunity to recognize how unprepared we may have been to handle an abrupt change … Read more