Hosted by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, World Suicide Prevention Day take places on 10 September 2025 to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

“Suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences. It is estimated that there are currently more than 720,000 suicides per year worldwide, and we know that each suicide profoundly affects many more people. Suicide remains a critical global issue, affecting individuals and communities worldwide.”[1]

Anybody can experience suicidal thoughts, or struggle with their mental health and wellbeing, be that a friend or a colleague. Here, our focus will be on the mental health of healthcare workers, in particular, members of the dental team.

The wellbeing of members of the dental team has been a focus of recent years, where some “members of the dental team are often so focused on looking after their patients that they neglect to look after themselves.”[2]

The ‘Mental health’  Collection in the British Dental Journal highlights articles which explore the psychological challenges faced by dental professionals, with issues such as mental wellbeing, stress, burnout and suicide discussed. It also includes articles from the MINDSET UK Project (a collaboration of experts in mental health and dentistry from across the UK).

The Collection aims to provide a deeper understanding of mental health in the dental field and provides strategies for creating healthier, more supportive environments. Some of the content in the Collection is highlighted below.

This  article from the UK Dental Team Mental Health Research and Implementation Group discusses burnout and depression in the UK dental workforce.

In this interview, Roz McMullan (former President of the British Dental Association) discusses suicide awareness training and suicide postvention.

This  article discusses adding suicide risk assessment and prevention training to the curricula for dental undergraduates to support patients.

This  news piece provides some helpful tips on strategies that may help with your wellbeing.

Further reading

BDJ In Practice’s ‘Mental health in dentistry’  Collection also covers some of the mental health challenges facing dental practitioners and details some of the support groups and techniques available to help.

The ‘Mental health in dentistry’  Collection in BDJ Student brings together a variety of perspectives on mental health from young dentists and dental students.

If you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care. If you yourself are struggling, please reach out for support.

References

1. https://www.iasp.info/wspd/
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-023-5818-5 

Resources

You can call Samaritans for free 116 123, day or night, 365 days a year, or email them at jo@samaritans.org. 

Further resources from the Samaritans:

• How to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts
• Ideas for how to support yourself if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts

Some specific dental resources include Health Assured, a confidential service available to British Dental Association members: https://www.bda.org/advice/wellbeing/confidential-counselling-for-members/ & Confidential Helpline – 033 987 5158.

There are also many dental team-focused advice and support groups listed at www.supportfordentalteams.org

The British Dental Association has also gathered resources to help support wellbeing, build resilience, and connect with colleagues. Check out the page here.