021: Practice Fatigue

Today, I want to dive into a topic that affects us all: fatigue in our dental practices, particularly in oral surgery. We all experience tiredness from the daily grind of dentistry, and I want to share some insights on the different types of fatigue we face and how to manage them. Physical fatigue is often the most obvious. It can stem from poor sleep habits, lack of exercise, or simply working long hours. While I've improved in this area, it's still a challenge for many. Mental fatigue, or decision fatigue, is a big one for me. Our job requires intense mental engagement from start to finish, and it can be draining. Techniques like meditation can help, but I still struggle with this aspect. Emotional fatigue comes from dealing with charged situations - difficult patients, conflicts with colleagues, or frustrations with insurance companies. Compassion fatigue is another challenge, especially as we progress in our careers. It's when we start to lose our capacity for empathy and begin to objectify patients. This can be a sign of burnout and may require professional help to address. Other types of fatigue include creativity fatigue (though less applicable in dentistry) and sensory fatigue from constant exposure to things like handpiece noise. When these different types of fatigue stack up, it can lead to burnout. For me, the top three are mental fatigue, emotional fatigue, and compassion fatigue. It's crucial to find ways to counteract these, whether through hobbies, time off, or setting boundaries in your practice. It's okay to say no to cases or patients that aren't a good fit. Refer out what you're not comfortable with - I do this with certain complex procedures I no longer regularly perform. Ultimately, focus on what you enjoy and what you're good at. Set boundaries, refer when necessary, and don't be afraid to dismiss problematic patients. These strategies can help reduce overall fatigue and make your practice more enjoyable. Remember, it's okay to ask for help if you're struggling. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Talk to you next time!