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Texas Edition  •  April 2020
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Self-Care Leads to Quality Dental Care!
Self-Care Leads to Quality Dental Care!

Dentistry is a very rewarding and well-respected profession. Due to their full schedules and commitment to patients, dentists may sometimes not recognize when they should prioritize their own health and wellness.

Working in a dental office can expose dental practitioners and their staff to a wide variety of elements that can affect their health. The possibility of serious infections, daily exposure to radiation, and even allergic reactions to commonly used tools such as latex gloves are sources of concern. Psychological stressors may also factor into the health and wellness of the dental team. Some of the most intensive stressors are those that also affect the patient experience at the office, such as running behind schedule.

In order to provide the best dental care to patients, it is important that dentists ...

Your Practice
Self-Care Leads to Quality Dental Care!

Dentistry is a very rewarding and well-respected profession. Due to their full schedules and commitment to patients, dentists may sometimes not recognize when they should prioritize their own health and wellness.

Working in a dental office can expose dental practitioners and their staff to a wide variety of elements that can affect their health. The possibility of serious infections, daily exposure to radiation, and even allergic reactions to commonly used tools such as latex gloves are sources of concern. Psychological stressors may also factor into the health and wellness of the dental team. Some of the most intensive stressors are those that also affect the patient experience at the office, such as running behind schedule.

In order to provide the best dental care to patients, it is important that dentists and their entire staff look after their health and wellness first! Consider the following recommendations to incorporate into your office routines:

  • Stay up-to-date with all best practices for infection control and sterilization. Ensure all staff have access to the appropriate continuing education and onsite training about these areas and follow protocols as appropriate.
  • Stock a supply of hypoallergenic non-latex gloves for use by any member of staff who exhibits sensitivity to latex.
  • Schedule and complete the recommended periodic maintenance on all X-ray equipment. Ensure all staff adhere to protocols for protective equipment like lead aprons when using this equipment.
  • Address stress points directly with all staff, and encourage collaboration to find solutions that work for the entire team. Establish and maintain open lines of communication to encourage full adoption of new behaviors, if necessary.

These are just a few ways in which you can take positive steps to protect your health and ensure that you continue to provide the best dental care and services for your patients. Here are some helpful links which can help you learn more about stress management techniques: