To implement at an Individual level the three-step action-oriented approach (Determine, Do, Discuss) developed by the FDI World Dental Federation [1] to improve mental health and well-being:
Determine
Assess your sources of stress (stressors) at work.
Consider utilising the FDI toolkit assessment template to rank stressors in order of importance and ease to change.
Do implement prevention and proactive strategies
Take action to change the way stress is affecting you at work.
NHS Inform Mind to Mind has examples of things others found helpful.
The FDI provides a list of techniques that may help e.g. coping with the physiological manifestations of stress, making your environment less stressful, changing your behaviour, changing your thoughts and making a plan.
The Dentists’ Health Support Trust (previously Dentist Health Support Programme) is a confidential helpline that provides resources, guidance and referral to support services as required.
NHS Scotland provides Mental Health Support Occupational Health Advice and Guidance to its employees.
Talk to colleagues, friends and family about your feelings.
Seek support from health professionals.
- The National Wellbeing Hub is a service in Scotland for health and social care workers. The Hub offers self-care and signposting to local NHS services. The Workforce Specialist Service is a confidential mental health service for regulated professionals
- ConfiDental is a listening helpline, run by a team of dental professionals
- NHS Education for Scotland has a website dedicated to dental mental health and wellbeing resources
- Speak to your GP
Discuss your experiences with others at work
Take opportunities to talk about techniques that have benefitted you in improving your mental health and wellbeing.
Consider accessing the risk of burnout quiz and other resources on the BREATHE Dental Wellness website