DTUK1910

T he American Institute of Stress estimates that an element of stress is re- lated to 75 to 90 per cent of vis- its to primary–care doctors. It is likely that being a professional of any sort carries with it a fairly high level of stress, and it is also likely that dental profession- als are in the top percentage of stressed professionals. Stress can manifest physically: headaches, shoulder and neck ache, nausea and stomach disorders are just some of the symptoms; it can also manifest at a psychological or mental level through anxiety or depression. It would also be true to say that the overwhelming majority of patients who attend for dental treatment arrive in a state of fear- related stress. It seems therefore to be in our interest to give the whole notion of stress serious consideration, not only as to how we can protect ourselves, but also how we can alleviate it for others. Ten things we can do for our- selves: 1. Acknowledge it, but push on 2. Take medication 3. Exercise: strengthen our outer core and maximise endorphin response 4. Practice stress-relieving activi- ties, such as yoga and meditation 5. Seek counselling 6. Seek medical help 7. Lifestyle change 8. Develop realistic rather than unrealistic expectations of our- selves and others; perfectionism is a very demanding taskmaster 9. Become less judgmental of ourselves and others 10. Set realistic and attainable goals. For our patients, we can: 1. Treat patients: not only their teeth, but develop an empathetic attitude to our patients’ prob- lems rather than a ‘what’s that got to do with me?’ dismissive approach 2. Inform before we perform, and be honest at all times. Inform them of benefits and risks, but where possible, emphasise the benefits 3. Avoid keeping patients waiting – the notion and term ‘waiting room’ is bad karma 4. Give everyone the respect you would hope others would always give you. Treat every patient as you would a friend, and every friend as you would a patient – give more than they expect 5. Offer TLC in abundance 6. Create a pleasing and relaxed ambiance and working environ- ment – pleasant to the eye, smell and ear 7. Cut out the fear of lack of phys- ical safety 8. Keep up with all current ideas and techniques for minimising pain and implement these in your daily practice 9. Approach every situation with a sense of humour and a touch of lightness, no matter how tricky or unpleasant the circumstances – teach your staff to do the same 10. Smile – often! DT The 10th dimension… the power of ten Ed Bonner and Adrianne Morris consider the ways to alleviate stress About the author Adrianne Morris is a highly trained success coach whose aim is to get people from where they are now to where they want to be, in clear measured steps. Ed Bonner has owned many practices, and now consults with and coaches dentists and their staff to achieve their potential. For a free consultation, or a com- plementary copy of The Power of Ten e-zine, email Adrianne at alplifecoach@yahoo.com or Ed on bonner.edwin@gmail.com, or visit www.thepoweroften.co.uk. July 19-25, 201010 Feature United Kingdom Edition

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