Stress, burnout, anxiety and depression among dentists.

BACKGROUND Dentists encounter numerous sources of professional stress, beginning in dental school. This stress can have a negative impact on their personal and professional lives. CONCLUSIONS Dentists are prone to professional burnout, anxiety disorders and clinical depression, owing to the nature of clinical practice and the personality traits common among those who decide to pursue careers in dentistry. Fortunately, treatment modalities and prevention strategies can help dentists conquer and avoid these disorders. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS To enjoy satisfying professional and personal lives, dentists must be aware of the importance of maintaining good physical and mental health. A large part of effective practice management is understanding the implications of stress.