Dental burnout – is social media a help or hindrance?

Abstract

In the past 30 years Burnout has been recognized as a condition separate from, but related to, both Stress and Depression. More recently, Social Media has become the dominant medium of communication and, within dentistry, is used for education, advertising, self-promotion and group discussion. Increasing regulatory requirements, changes in NHS regulations and a more litigious society all contribute to increased pressures on dentists. All of these factors increase the risk of Burnout and this article reviews current information on the condition and the influences, both positive and negative of Social Media on the likelihood of Burnout in dental practitioners. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dentistry is an already highly stressful profession and, while Social Media has the potential to reduce the risk of Burnout, it may also lead to increasing pressure on dentists. This article offers guidance to the clinician in managing these conflicting influences.