Chairside Mindfulness: Reducing Stress and Enhancing Patient Relationships

Chairside Mindfulness: Reducing Stress and Enhancing Patient Relationships | Image Credit: Tooratanaubol – stock.adobe.com

As dental hygienists, our dedication to patient care is unwavering. However, the demanding nature of our profession often results in high levels of stress, pain, and burnout. These challenges can hinder our ability to provide optimal patient care. In this article, we will explore the practice of mindfulness and its potential benefits for dental professionals. Mindfulness, rooted in ancient wisdom and supported by modern science, can serve as a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving patient relationships.

The Stress Epidemic in Dental Hygiene

Let's address the pressing issue of stress within our profession. Dental hygienists are intimately familiar with the physical and emotional toll that our work can take. Recent statistics reveal that a significant percentage of dental hygienists report experiencing pain, high-stress levels, and even burnout. Studies indicate that 91% of dental hygienists have endured, or are currently enduring, work-related pain or injuries, often referred to as musculoskeletal disorders.¹ Furthermore, a survey published in the Journal of Dental Hygiene found that 30% of dental hygienists have experienced burnout.² The demands of our profession, combined with long hours of patient care, can lead to an overwhelming sense of stress that impacts our overall well-being.

Understanding the Impact of Stress

Stress is not merely a mental state; it is a comprehensive experience that affects our bodies, minds, and emotions. We, as dental professionals, recognize that our bodies are designed to handle stress to some extent. However, chronic stress, which occurs when stress persists over extended periods, can have severe consequences for our physical well-being. Chronic stress can increase heart rate, muscle tension, and even immune system suppression. It can result in anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. Chronic stress has been associated with irritability, mood swings, and a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction.³

Stress doesn't just impact our internal state; it also influences our external interactions. It can affect our mood, energy levels, responses, and verbal and nonverbal communication. Recognizing these risks alongside the detrimental effects of stress underscores the urgency of addressing stress to safeguard our physical and mental health. But how can we effectively manage the inherent stressors of our profession?

The Science of Mindfulness

Mindfulness, an ancient practice rooted in various contemplative traditions, has gained recognition in recent years for its potential to mitigate stress and enhance overall well-being. In essence, mindfulness involves cultivating and maintaining a moment-to-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and external environment with a gentle and compassionate perspective. Modern scientific research has substantiated the multifaceted benefits of mindfulness, both physically and mentally.

Studies have demonstrated that mindfulness can reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol while promoting relaxation responses. Mindfulness has been shown to induce positive psychological effects, including subjective well-being, diminished psychological symptoms, and improved behavioral regulation. It enhances emotional regulation and reduces emotional reactivity, thus increasing our capacity to navigate the ups and downs of a demanding workday. Additionally, mindfulness has been linked to heightened focus, improved cognitive function, and enhanced resilience in the face of challenges—an everyday reality in our profession.⁴

Chairside Mindfulness for Stress Reduction

The allure of mindfulness lies in its adaptability to any setting, including the dental office. Chairside mindfulness entails integrating mindfulness practices into your daily routine as a dental hygienist. These practices are straightforward yet profoundly effective in reducing stress and enhancing your overall well-being.

One accessible technique involves mindful breathing. Take a moment between patients or even during patient care to focus on your breath. Simply concentrate on each inhalation and exhalation without judgment or force. You can explore this technique further by inhaling deeply, counting to 4, briefly pausing, and then exhaling slowly to the same count. Opt for a number count that feels comfortable, avoiding additional stress. This simple exercise can immediately alleviate stress levels and help you remain present.

Another mindfulness practice that dental hygienists can incorporate chairside is the body scan. Between patients, take just 30 seconds to pause and engage in a body scan. You can do this while standing or sitting, with your eyes open or closed. To practice, find a neutral posture position. Begin a slow scan of your body from head to toe, progressively becoming aware of and relaxing each area, one at a time. This practice is also beneficial at the end of the day as you transition from work mode to life mode.

Mindfulness for Enhanced Patient Care

Chairside mindfulness not only benefits you as a dental hygienist but also positively impacts your patients. Patient care extends beyond technical proficiency; it encompasses building connections and trust with patients and ensuring their comfort. Mindfulness, particularly mindful communication with our patients, facilitates these essential aspects of dental care.

When hygienists are fully present and engaged during patient interactions, patients can sense it. They feel heard and understood, which helps alleviate their anxiety and fosters trust. Patients are more inclined to adhere to treatment plans and maintain regular appointments when they have a positive and calming experience in the dental chair.

Enhancing Professional Performance

Chairside mindfulness isn't solely about stress reduction; it's also a tool for elevating your professional performance. By integrating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can experience heightened focus, increased energy, and improved communication skills. Instead of dwelling on every detail and schedule change, you can be present with each patient, delivering the highest quality care.

With reduced stress levels and enhanced focus, we can provide more efficient and effective patient care. Patients will value your attentiveness and the quality of your work. Mindfulness can bolster your mental resilience when confronting challenging cases, helping reduce the risk of burnout.

Embracing the Change

Chairside mindfulness is a transformative practice with the potential to revolutionize your experience as a dental hygienist. By acknowledging the stress epidemic in our profession and understanding the profound impact of stress on our bodies, minds, and emotions, we recognize the pressing need for effective stress management strategies.

Mindfulness, substantiated by scientific research, offers a potent solution. By integrating chairside mindfulness into your daily routine, you can mitigate stress, improve patient relationships, and elevate your overall performance as a dental hygienist. This practice benefits not only you but also your patients and the dental practice as a whole.

So, as you prepare for your next patient, take a moment to breathe deeply, center yourself, and embrace the power of chairside mindfulness. Your well-being and the quality of patient care you provide will undoubtedly reap the rewards of this practice.

References

1. Saccucci M, Zumbo G, Mercuri P, et al. Musculoskeletal disorders related to dental hygienist profession. Int J Dent Hyg. 2022;20(3):571-579. doi:10.1111/idh.12596

2. Bercasio L, Rowe D, Yansane A. Factors Associated with Burnout among Dental Hygienists in California. Journal of Dental Hygiene. May 2020.

3. Mariotti A. The effects of chronic stress on health: new insights into the molecular mechanisms of brain-body communication. Future Sci OA. 2015;1(3):FSO23. Published 2015 Nov 1. doi:10.4155/fso.15.21

4. Keng SL, Smoski MJ, Robins CJ. Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: a review of empirical studies. Clin Psychol Rev. 2011;31(6):1041-1056. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2011.04.006