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How neurolinguistic psychotherapy (NLPt) could help to improve psychological wellbeing within the dental profession Joanna Taylor Dental Update 2024 43:3, 707-709.
Authors
JoannaTaylor
MHS(Acc), Psychotherapist (NLPt)
Accredited Member of the National Hypnotherapy Society, a Member of NLPtCA (Neurolinguistic Psychotherapy & Counselling Association) and a Member of INLPTA (International NLP Trainers Association)
This article is an exploration of some of the causes of stress within the dental profession and a discussion on how some of the models and philosophies of NLPt could help improve the levels of psychological wellbeing within the profession. Some of the fundamental concepts of NLPt are explored, with particular reference to their application in regard to stress. It is concluded that NLPt could provide a robust methodology for reducing psychological distress within the profession, by helping dentists to understand the concept of unuseful constructs, to improve behavioural choice and to discover the possibility of a more resourceful way of being.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dentists under stress do not perform well; judgement is impaired, motivation is reduced and poor decisions can be made which impact directly on patient care.
Article
A study was undertaken recently by the British Dental Association to assess levels of personal wellbeing among UK Dentists,1 the findings of which indicated that dentists reported lower levels of personal wellbeing when compared with the general UK population. The study found that:
‘All dentists [who responded in the two surveys] indicated lower levels of life satisfaction than adults in the general population; for example, dentists were between two and three times more likely than UK adults to indicate very low levels of life satisfaction.’
Levels of happiness amongst the profession were found to be significantly lower (38% of dentists reporting low levels, compared with 28% of UK adults) and anxiety higher (53% of dentists reporting high or very high levels compared with 39% of UK adults).
Dentistry, like every profession, has its own particular stressors; the comparative isolation of the practitioner, dealing with anxious and stressed patients, conflicts within the practice, missed appointments, running late and, increasingly, the concern over patient complaints and possible litigation are all factors which contribute towards heightened stress and, for some, can lead to more severe anxiety and depression.2
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