Dental hygienists face unique mental health challenges throughout their careers. The demands of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life, combined with workplace stressors like tight scheduling pressures, limited autonomy, and physical strain from ergonomic challenges, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Prioritizing our own well-being—and supporting others—isn’t just important; it’s essential to providing quality patient care.

Occupational stressors of dental hygienists in the United States
Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation (2020)

Use these trusted resources for your own well-being and in your practice.

Self-Assessment Tools

Personal Well-Being Resources

  • Mindfulness and Meditation Apps: Tools like Headspace, Calm, Smiling Mind, Ten Percent Happier, and faith-based options offer accessible ways to practice mindfulness and reduce stress. Research supports the effectiveness of digital mental health interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis found that self-guided digital tools can be effective for suicide prevention. Read the research in Lancet Digital Health >>
  • Physical Wellness (exercise, nutrition, sleep)
  • Stress Management Strategies
  • Dental Mental Network or 1-814-215-0426
  • Breathing Resources (Shirley Gutkowski’s video)
  • Work-Like Balance Tips

Diet & Nutrition Resources

  • Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind, by Dr. Georgia Ede
    Harvard-trained psychiatrist Dr. Georgia Ede combines brain metabolism science with evidence-based nutrition to optimize mental health, including modified paleo/keto/carnivore diet plans and tools for testing insulin resistance.

Personal Stories

How I Overcame Burnout and Returned to Dental Hygiene

Video from Sherri’s Mental Health Course

Educational Opportunities

  • Continuing Education on Well-Being
  • Workshops, Seminars and Online Courses

 

 

Professional Support Resources

Research