DT News - UK - Survey shows fear of being sued often leads to stress and anxiety for dentists

Dental Tribune UK

Tue. 16 April 2019

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LONDON, UK: Often, dentistry-related stress is only looked at through the lens of the patients’ experience and their fear of dental procedures. A recent survey, however, has found that there is an entirely different source of stress and anxiety for dental professionals in the UK: the fear of being sued, receiving a claim or complaint, or being the subject of an investigation by the General Dental Council.

The survey was conducted by Dental Protection, part of the not-for-profit Medical Protection Society for doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals. It asked more than 1,100 UK-based dentists for feedback regarding the sources of their work-related stress, and 77 per cent responded that the fear of being sued by an unsatisfied patient had caused them to become stressed and anxious.

The results of the survey come just months after the findings of an analysis published in the British Dental Journal showed that general dental practitioners exhibit the highest levels of stress and burn-out among UK dentists. The findings of this research suggested that, while practice ownership could possibly reduce burn-out due to regulatory stress, it does not positively influence patient-led stress for dentists.

Remarking upon the findings of the survey, Dr Raj Rattan, MBE, Dental Director at Dental Protection, said: “Stress can impact on a dentist’s health and practice in a number of ways. It can affect confidence, clinical judgement, morale and even lead to performance issues. Research confirms that high stress levels affect performance and increase the potential for adverse outcomes of error. These may in turn spark patient complaints and claims and a self-perpetuating vicious circle is established.”

“Modern life is full of challenges, stressors and pressures—and the dental profession is no exception. Dental Protection would like to encourage dentists to seek help and advice to manage the condition before it causes irreversible changes to health and well-being,” he concluded.

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