The percentage of dentists diagnosed with anxiety tripled in 2021 compared to 2003, according to a new report from the American Dental Association.
The 2021 "Dentist Health and Well-Being Survey Report" was first conducted in 2003 and last conducted in 2015. The ADA sent a survey to 20,000 dentists throughout the U.S. in March 2021.
The ADA said it is sharing the report in support of a resolution passed by the 2021 ADA House of Delegates to support the mental health of dentists.
Additional findings:
- Eighty-six percent of dentists reported they were satisfied with their dental practice and 95 percent reported feeling respected by their colleagues. Younger dentists were found to feel less respected than their older counterparts.
- Eighty-four percent of dentists reported pain or discomfort while working last year, with the most common sites of discomfort being the neck, lower back, shoulders and upper back. Fourteen percent of those dentists said their pain and discomfort interfered with their work.
- Thirty-five percent of dentists reported having hearing problems.
- Sixty-three percent of respondents reported they had experienced a medical condition, with the five most common being back problems, elevated cholesterol, anxiety, depression and headaches.
- Forty-six percent of dentists said they were aware of state dentist well-being programs available to them through their dental associations.