Since 1992, the Stress Management Society has dedicated itself to increasing public awareness about the causes, effects and cures of stress via Stress Awareness Month - an annual event which occurs every April.

This year, the theme is #LeadWithLove. In today’s world, where stress seems to be inevitable, the focus is to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion and acceptance.

The dental practice can be a source of stress for patients, particularly those with dental anxiety or phobia. Working in dentistry can also be a source of stress for dental professionals, with a recent survey finding that almost two-thirds of dental professionals say they are frequently burnt out/exhausted.¹

Stress, anxiety and overall wellbeing are discussed across the BDJ Portfolio and below are some highlights from across our six journals.

British Dental Journal

• This  research explores dental stressors felt by the dental team and resilience to this stress. Stressors include expectations, team dynamics, achieving work/life balance and more
• This case series shows how sedation can be used to reduce/prevent medical emergencies in medically complex, anxious patients
• This  study delves into the mental health and wellbeing of dental administrative staff in the UK, and identifies key stressors, including increasing pressures on staff, NHS dentistry and challenging relationships
• This handy  resource provides some top tips for the management of dentally anxious patients in general practice
• Finally, our Mental Health Collection is a great overall resource for further reading, including papers from the MINDSET UK Project.

BDJ Open

• An international perspective, this study explores the mental health of dental faculty in Pakistan
• This  paper delves into how effective screening tools are in identifying and stratifying dentists’ distress and wellbeing.

Evidence-Based Dentistry

• This  Commentary looks into whether virtual reality can reduce anxiety in anxious dental patients
• While  another sees if music or aromatherapy can reduce dental anxiety/fear.

BDJ Team

• This piece, from dental therapist, qualified yoga teacher and breathwork coach, Laura Williams, discusses improving wellbeing through functional breathing.

BDJ In Practice

Editor, David Westgarth, speaks to life coach and consultant orthodontist, Nadia Ahmed, about stress and burnout in dental professionals.

BDJ Student

As part of the recent student takeover, Hfsa Fahad  discusses their life as a dental student and the ‘balancing act’ of juggling multiple commitments in the ‘high-pressure world of dentistry’.

Resources from the Stress Management Society

The Stress Management Society have a page dedicated to a range of resources, both for personal and external use, which can be accessed here.

^References
1.  British Dental Journal. Two-thirds of dental professionals 'burnt out and exhausted'. Br Dent J 2025; 238: 295-296.