[Stress in the dental practice: 'Suddenly I wasn't able to work anymore']

Recent research indicates 20% of dentists to experience a high degree of stress, physical pain and distress, and insomnia, which is associated with loss of productivity, both in quantity and quality. Physical distress and pain, but also difficulties with colleagues, demanding patients or loss of productivity are clearly associated with the prevalence of stress. Stress complaints are often recognised too late. 2 fictitious cases from the daily practice of occupational health experts/ergonomists are discussed. The first case concerns a 45-year-old dentist who was referred to an occupational health expert regarding severe fatigue, listlessness and a sense of loss of control. After the occupational health expert had inventoried his full workload, it was shown not to have increased. With the help of relaxation therapy, a professional organiser and an organisational and business psychologist, the dentist was able to return to work full time after 9 months. In the second case, a 55-year-old endodontist presented with neck pain. The occupational health expert/ergonomist observed postural problems and stress. The client reported she suffered from fatigue. The endodontist did not acknowledge these stress issues and wanted to address improvement of posture in particular, which was effective. The occupational health expert was nevertheless able to introduce measures to reduce stress and fatigue; after some time, the endodontist enjoyed her return to work.