The Burnout Epidemic In Dentistry: What Every Clinician Should Know
Burnout in dentistry is an increasing concern across the profession, with Australian research showing significant levels of stress, psychological distress, and burnout among dental professionals. The demands of clinical care, patient expectations, regulatory pressures, and the culture of perfectionism within dentistry can all contribute to emotional exhaustion and reduced wellbeing.
01 About this session
Session details
This webinar will explore the factors contributing to burnout in dental practice and discuss how it can impact clinicians, teams, and patient care. The session will also focus on practical strategies to recognise early signs of burnout and introduce small, achievable steps that support wellbeing in everyday practice, from setting boundaries and improving workflow to building supportive professional networks and prioritising self-care.Learning outcomes
- Identify the key contributors to burnout in dentistry, including clinical, cultural, and regulatory pressures within the profession.
- Recognise the early signs and symptoms of burnout in themselves and their colleagues to enable timely intervention.
- Understand the impact of burnout on clinical performance, team dynamics, and patient care outcomes.
- Implement practical, evidence-informed strategies to support wellbeing, including boundary setting, workflow optimisation, and building supportive professional networks
02 About the presenter
Dr Annalene Weston
BDS MHL FACD FPFA FICD
Dr Annalene Weston is a Dentolegal Consultant for Dental Protection Australia, providing collegiate support and advice. Annalene completed her undergraduate dental degree in the UK and worked in NHS and private dentistry before immigrating. She has worked across three Australian states, in private and public dentistry, and gained her Masters in Health Law through the University of Sydney, Faculty of Law.
Annalene has been awarded Fellowships to the American College of Dentistry, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentistry in recognition of her strong work in ethics. In addition to her role with Dental Protection, Annalene maintains practice part-time, is the host of the Dental Protection podcast series and the mother of two rambunctious boys.