Mental health is part of your health. Period. Yet, in dentistry, it’s often quietly endured, brushed aside, or simply ignored.

Packed schedules. Patient anxiety. Clinical precision. For many dental professionals—including dentists, hygienists, and assistants—the weight of these demands feels heavy. Over time, the stress accumulates, leaving you physically and emotionally drained.

At Aspen Dental, we believe it’s time to put mental health at the forefront. After all, the best care begins with a healthy and supported team. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on an important truth: Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s vital.

The Pressures of the Profession
It’s no surprise that dentistry ranks high among professions at risk for stress and burnout. The work is deeply rewarding, but also comes with unique challenges that can take a toll on mental and emotional health.

Emotional Demands of Patient Care
Working with patients often requires significant emotional energy, especially when treating those who are fearful, anxious, or in pain. Dental professionals don’t just perform procedures; they’re also caregivers who constantly manage emotions in the operatory.

Physical Strain and Fast-Paced Schedules
Dentistry is as physically demanding as it is mentally. Long hours of standing or sitting in awkward positions take a toll, while fast-paced schedules leave little room to rest or recalibrate during the workday.

Unrealistic Expectations
Dental professionals face immense pressure to maintain productivity, precision, and compassion all at once. The expectation to achieve perfection in every treatment, combined with the need to remain empathetic throughout the day, can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure.

You Are Not Alone And You Shouldn't Feel Like You Are
Ask any dental professional what keeps them going during the stressful days, and many will say the same thing: “You just push through.”

But the reality is that chronic stress can lead to fatigue, irritability, and disconnection. It affects your ability to care for patients and impacts your quality of life far beyond the dental chair.

Here’s the truth no one tells you often enough: Mental health awareness isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s leadership. Taking steps to care for yourself isn’t just good for you; it sets the tone for your practice or team.

Creating a culture of care begins with transparency. It means giving yourself and others permission to pause and to step back, slow down, and recognize when burnout is creeping in.

How Aspen Dental Supports Team Mental Wellness
At Aspen Dental, we know caring for patients starts with caring for our people. That’s why we’ve created tools, resources, and a supportive workplace environment designed to help dental professionals protect their mental health and thrive in their roles. Here’s how we do it:

Predictable Schedules and Work-Life Balance
We believe work shouldn’t take over your entire life. That’s why we prioritize predictable schedules and emphasize the importance of balance, so you have time for what matters most outside the office.

Mental Health Benefits and Resources
Our team members have access to comprehensive mental health benefits, including employee assistance programs (EAPs), to help them manage stress, find professional support, and prioritize self-care.

Education on Emotional Intelligence and Leadership
Through TAG U courses, we empower dental professionals with tools to improve emotional intelligence, foster better communication, and develop leadership skills that strengthen team dynamics and workplace culture.

A Collaborative Culture
At Aspen Dental, every team member is uplifted by a culture of collaboration—not competition. We encourage individuals to support one another, share their challenges, and lean on their colleagues for guidance or reassurance.

Open-Door Leadership Philosophy
Strong leadership starts by being accessible. Our leaders maintain an open-door policy and engage in frequent team check-ins to ensure every voice is heard and every concern is addressed.

Building a Practice That Prioritizes People, Including You
If you’ve experienced burnout or stress in dentistry, you might wonder if there’s a way to escape the constant grind. The answer is yes, there is. But it starts with changing the narrative around self-care and mental health.

You can’t care for others if your own cup is empty. Aspiring to be a compassionate caregiver begins with being compassionate toward yourself. That means taking breaks, speaking up when you need help, and leaning on those around you.

At Aspen Dental, we encourage our team members to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being. And for leaders, this approach is essential. Leadership isn’t just about achieving outcomes; it’s about fostering an environment where every team member feels empowered to take care of their physical and emotional health.

You Deserve Care, Too
Mental Health Awareness Month may remind us to pause and reflect, but your mental health matters every day. Dentists, hygienists, assistants, and staff members all play vital roles in creating healthier, brighter smiles for patients. But to deliver exceptional care, you need to feel supported, seen, and strong enough to show up as your best self.

Here at Aspen Dental, we’re not just creating connections with patients—we’re building sustainable careers for dental professionals who care for their own well-being while caring for others.

Thinking About What's Next In Your Dental Career?
Explore Aspen Dental’s career opportunities and discover a supportive environment where your mental health matters just as much as the work you do for others.