Occupational stress in oral and maxillofacial surgeons: tendencies, traits, and triggers

Health professionals are subject to higher levels of stress than the average worker. Little has been written on these subjects, specifically in oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Anecdotally, dentists have been singled out as the health care professionals more likely to be subjected to severe stress, burnout, failed marriages, depression, substance abuse, and commit suicide. However, with oral and maxillofacial surgery being a particularly high-stress specialty of dentistry, a study of the dental literature regarding stress may be relevant. This article explores the myths and realities of stress and burnout in oral and maxillofacial surgeons and the coping skills, both adaptive and maladaptive used by practitioners to deal with their stress. This article also offers some practical suggestions for improving both the mental and physical health of oral and maxillofacial surgeons.