While staying focused on your dental career and its advancement is an admirable pursuit, it’s important not to neglect your health in the process. Dentists face various unique physical and mental demands that can have a negative impact on their health overtime. It’s important for dentists to take the proper steps to care for themselves and stay healthy. Below are some of our wellness tips for practicing dentists.

Do ergonomics exercises

Due to the extensive amount of time dentists spend doing repetitive hand motions and leaning over patients in uncomfortable positions, many dentists experience musculoskeletal pain. Incorporating ergonomic exercises throughout your day can help avoid such discomfort. Exercises such as neck stretches, wrist flexion exercises, spinal twists, back stretches, and side stretches can particularly benefit dentists.

Seek out professional treatment

Due to an intensive workload, long hours, and numerous responsibilities, burnout is common among dentists. In addition, many dentists must deal with patients who are difficult or reluctant to receive treatment. The mental strain of such conditions can become hard to bear, and it can lead to an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders. Dentists experiencing any of these, should seek out proper professional treatment when necessary to help reduce negative symptoms.

Fuel your body properly

During a busy day, it can be easy to forget to drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet. As a result, your health can suffer. It’s important to keep track of how much water you drink throughout the day to ensure you get enough. In addition, packing a bag with plenty of healthy snacks that you can munch on throughout the day can also be beneficial.

Meditate

In the hectic world of dentistry, remembering to simply relax and calm your mind from time to time can prove challenging. However, meditating for just five or ten minutes a day can have numerous positive impacts on your mind and body. Meditation has been proven to help alleviate stress, calm anxiety, and promote emotional health.

While being a dentist can be stressful, hiring a new dentist or specialist for your practice shouldn’t be. Henry Schein Nationwide Dental Opportunities is a dental hiring agency that helps connect practices with skilled, qualified dentists. Across the country, our recruiters have filled thousands of open general dentist and specialist positions. To learn more about our services, contact us today.