Wellness in Dentistry: Small Habits, Big Impact for You and Your Team

Hot on the heels of World Mental Health Day (Friday 10th October 2025), we’re continuing on the conversation of wellness & wellbeing especially in the dental industry.

We know that wellness has been a buzzword that we’ve all heard (and lets be honest a line that is used to sell the latest product to help improve our wellness), but while there might be some wild and whacky claims out there.

The core principles remain true – and for dental professionals where 57% feel their mental health has got worse since 2020 and two-thirds feeling burnt out and exhausted – there has never been a more important time to have this conversation.

Wellness in dentistry is more than avoiding burnout. I’s about creating habits and a culture that is sustainable that allows you and your team to thrive physically, mentally and emotionally.

There are many tips and tricks and it is all about finding the ones that work for you.

Here are some of our top tips:

 

Prioritise physical wellness

The physical demands of a dental professional are no secret with hours spent on your feet, leaning forward and repetitive movements it is important to look after your body as well as your mind.

• Schedule ‘micro-breaks’ between patients to stretch your neck, back & wrists.
• Position your patient, not you. Adjust the chair so you can maintain a proper posture during treatment.
• Fuel your body right, keep hydrated throughout the workday and have healthy snacks to support proper nourishment to help maintain energy levels throughout the day.

Do things to support your own mental & emotional health

Dentistry requires constant focus, empathy and emotional support. That mixed with the day to day admin, scheduling and organisation it can quickly drain you mentally.

→ Take time to do things that bring you joy

Whether you find this through exercise, getting lost in a good book, meeting up with friends or taking your dog on a long walk. Time that brightens your life can work wonders on your own mental health.

→ Don’t forget the power of talking to people

The age old saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ is true. Even grabbing a coffee with a friend or a colleague to check in on one another can help with the mental load we carry.

→ Put the phone away

It’s so easy when you have a spare few minutes to jump on instagram for a quick scroll but this can so often trigger mini dopamine hits that triggers our brain’s reward system & thats why sometimes we end up in a scrolling hole. Instead in those small gaps you have, try some gentle breathing techniques, read a chapter of a book or get outside to get some fresh air and sunlight.

Share and encourage wellness with your team

If we all spent a little more time working out things that help our wellness and share them with others we can thrive and succeed as a team.

→ Lead by example

There is no point in encouraging wellness amongst your team if you aren’t listening to yourself at all. While an individual’s approach to wellness might be different if you show the importance of it, your team is more likely to feel confident in adapting for themselves.

→ Use resources around you

There is lots of information and resources available that can help. One of my favourites is to share Action for Happiness’s monthly calendar with the team to encourage micro things to adopt each day to support their wellbeing.

→ Celebrate wins big or small

Whether they are wins within the workplace or personal achievements, coming together as a team to celebrate one another can boost morale and positivity.

 

Wellness starts with you

We know that dentistry is more than just teeth, it’s about improving lives and that should start with you. When you care for your mind, body & team you strengthen your entire practice. Wellness isn’t about luxury, it’s about taking care of yourself and doing little and often to build good habits that resonate with you.

Check out how the MiSmile Media team adopts different habits to help their own wellbeing & mental health…