TRENDS
What are some common symptoms when someone is affected with poor mental health? Dr Loh: Common symptoms that someone affected by mental health may exhibit can be categorised into emotional symptoms, physical symptoms and behavioural symptoms. Emotional symptoms can include burnout, anxiety, and depression, as mentioned above. Typically, we see this as characterised by detachment from work, excessive worry, hopelessness, and being overwhelmed. As for physical symptoms, we usually see fatigue and sleep disturbances, which can be due to the long hours of work in demanding conditions. In dentistry, these symptoms can severely affect their work performance along with their overall health. Dentists often report musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders, which the physical demands of the job can exacerbate. According to Admetec, studies indicate that 33-87% of dentists suffer from musculoskeletal pain and/or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in their back, neck, and shoulders. 4 Over time, these physical issues can impair productivity and even compel some practitioners to leave the profession prematurely. Behavioural symptoms are most often seen as decreased work performance and social withdrawal. 5 Decreased work performance could be a decline in productivity and an increase in mistakes; these are often telling indicators of mental health issues in a practitioner. Dental professionals may additionally begin to withdraw from colleagues and patients, exhibiting a lack of interest in social interactions and professional engagements. To help colleagues who exhibit these symptoms, it is important to be able to recognise the signs of poor mental health. Encouraging an open and non-judgmental conversation with the colleague is crucial, and it is important to approach the topic with empathy, offering support rather than criticism.
very important to establish a supportive peer network. Establishing peer support groups within the dental community in Singapore can provide a safe space for professionals to share experiences and coping strategies. Finally, promoting mental health awareness and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help can go a long way. It is advisable for well-meaning colleagues to try their best to seek a stressed colleague’s assent before speaking to supervisors regarding their condition or trying to “ease their burden” by lessening their workload. What are some preventive actions that professionals can adopt to address common mental health risks? Dr Loh: Integrating stress management techniques and practices into daily life, including while at work can be very helpful. Examples of these include mindfulness, relaxation techniques and spiritual practices into daily routines which can significantly reduce stress levels. 6 Studies have shown that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programmes can improve mental wellbeing and decrease burnout rates among healthcare professionals, including dentists. Conducting regular workshops on mental health awareness can help dental professionals recognise early signs of stress, anxiety, and burnout. These workshops can also teach coping mechanisms and resilience-building strategies. In Singapore, initiatives like these are becoming more common as awareness of mental health issues in high stress professions increases. These workshops should be implemented for a wide range of dental professionals,
Peer support groups do not need to be formal or specifically focused on mental health. For dentists trained in Singapore, many are already accustomed to a strong tradition of mentoring, where juniors are paired with seniors from their time in dental school. This tradition can be expanded so that seniors take a more active role in supporting the mental wellbeing of their juniors. Encouraging flexible work arrangements, such as adjusted work hours or reduced patient loads during particularly stressful periods, can help manage work-related stress. When long working hours are common, such flexibility can be crucial in preventing burnout. There is growing recognition of the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining mental wellbeing. Dentists should be encouraged to prioritise making time for exercise to support their mental health.
Dr Adrian Loh
across all levels of seniority, to help the community better understand the prevalence of mental health concerns. Establishing peer support groups within the dental community can provide a platform for professionals to share their
experiences and challenges, reducing feelings of isolation. This is especially relevant in Singapore, where the stigma around mental health can sometimes prevent individuals from seeking help.
Colleagues should encourage the affected individual to seek professional help. It is also
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