Burnout Among Dental Assistants: How to Identify and Prevent Burnout

A dental assistant’s job is gratifying but also highly demanding. They have to assist the dentists, comfort the patients, and effectively manage their workflow in the office. Due to the heavy workload, they may quickly experience burnout. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive stress. Knowing the signs of burnout and preventing them is essential for maintaining work performance and good health.

What is Burnout?

Burnout is the implication or result of an overflow of stress, much more than having a bad day or feeling tired after a long week. It overflows into feelings of inadequacy to cope with your responsibilities. Burnout influences your mood, energy, and sometimes your physical condition. If not taken care of, this may lead to severe problems such as anxiety, depression, and chronic tiredness.

Burnout Warning Signs among Dental Assistants

Early recognition of the signs of burnout will enable you to act while preventing it from overwhelming you. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of burnout:

Constant Fatigue

Generally, feeling tired, even after an excellent night’s sleep, indicates burnout. This kind of fatigue doesn’t go away with rest and makes it challenging to get through the day.

Irritability/Mood Swings

Feeling burnt out as a dental assistant may lead to easy irritation or frustration for the people outside. People may feel moody or snap at coworkers and/or patients for no apparent reason.

Lack of Motivation

When the feeling of dreading going to work or no longer being interested in the activities one once enjoyed exists, this may be a sign of burnout. Of course, one can easily concentrate on whatever is being done with motivation.

Other physical symptoms can include headaches, stomach aches, or muscle tension. These symptoms can occur along with the high-stress level associated with burnout.

Low productivity at work

Burnout can make you commit mistakes at work, fail to meet deadlines or be inefficient in delivering work. When you grow increasingly less productive, it might be because of burnout.

How to Avoid Burnout Burnout Avoidance 

Take breaks

One should take breaks during the day to rest and recharge. Even a short break can allow one to relax and clear their mind. Take a break and get yourself away from work for a mental break. 

Self-care is about what you do outside the office; what you do inside the office is equally important. Schedule time for things that will keep you calm and in good spirits, like hitting the gym, reading, or catching up with friends or family.

Set boundaries

Sometimes, it can be very easy to get carried away with work. Put a limit on the things that you can do. Learn to say no if it is too much for you, and concentrate on the most important ones. That way, the load and stress will be reduced, avoiding burning out. Talk to someone: When feelings of anxiety or burnout become overwhelming, do not hold back from seeking help from someone. Be it a colleague, supervisor, or mental health professional, sharing your views and feelings with others will bring you some needed support.

Well-organized

An organized working environment can eliminate many stressors, making it easier to manage your tasks. Keep a diary or a “Do” list of activities and time frames of your duties, and try to stick with your deadlines.

Conclusion

Burnout is an epidemic among dental assistants, but must not be inevitable. With helpful tips and the ability to catch early warning signs, a dental assistant can remain healthy while assisting dental patients effectively. Remember to take breaks, practice self-care, and ask for help. 
If you want to become a dental assistant, Northwest Career College can train and prepare you to work successfully in this excellent field. With our outstanding curriculum, you can graduate in as little as nine months. We also offer financial aid to eligible students, so visit our website and explore more of what you can learn and experience as a dental assistant student.