Sir, we read, with interest, the letters of R. Bernstein1 and R. Swainston2 regarding the need for research to explore the emotional drivers of dentists, and particularly young dentists' distress. We also read the letter from GDPs in Peru3 highlighting the apparent lack of a study evaluating primary interventions to deal with the dentists' stress.
We would like to point out that initial research into this area has already been conducted4,5,6,7and published in this journal. It resulted in an evidence-based self-help programme8 which was both statistically and clinically effective in both the short- and longer-term. Participants in the research and programmes run to date have included a range of practitioners, from foundation dentists to established dentists in general practice. This programme has been made available to postgraduate medical education centres in the UK. It would also be possible to make it available elsewhere.
Our research and improvement of the stress/burnout coping skills package will continue, subject to research funding.
References
Bernstein R. Emotional burnout. Br Dent J 2019; 226: 635.
Swainston R. Young dentist burnout. Br Dent J 2019; 226: 817.
Mattos A C Z, Tirado L A A. Burn out solutions needed. Br Dent J 2019; 226: 541.
Chapman H R, Chipchase S Y, Bretherton R. Understanding emotionally relevant situations in primary care dental practice: 1. Clinical situations and emotional responses. Br Dent J 2015; 219: 401-409.
Chapman H R, Chipchase S Y, Bretherton R. Understanding emotionally relevant situations in primary dental practice. 2. Reported effects of emotionally charged situations. Br Dent J 2015; 219: E8.
Chapman H R, Chipchase S Y, Bretherton R. Understanding emotionally relevant situations in primary dental practice. 3. Emerging narratives. Br Dent J 2015; 219: 491-496.
Bretherton R, Chapman H R, Chipchase S. A study to explore specific stressors and coping strategies in primary dental care practice. Br Dent J 2016; 220: 471-478.
Chapman H R, Chipchase S Y, Bretherton R. The evaluation of a continuing professional development package for primary care dentists designed to reduce stress, build resilience and improve clinical decision-making. Br Dent J 2017; 223: 261-271.
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Chapman, H., Moghaddam, N. Published research on stress. Br Dent J 227, 72 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-019-0577-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-019-0577-z
