The Dental Council of New Zealand says it has decided to do something about the high level of stress faced by dentists.
The council says a number of studies indicate that dentists' suicide rate is significantly higher than the general population and many researchers have identified dentistry as the most stressful
profession.
The council, along with the Dental Association of New Zealand, has produced a "self care" guide for dentists to help them identify when they have a problem and what to do to fix it.
Wellington dentist and deputy chairman of the Dental Council, Dr Jeff Annan, says dentists come under stress in many different ways.
"We're not a 'loved' profession - although appreciated. And for many people, going to the dentist is a 'grudge' purchase - something they don't want to do but know they have to.
"Dentists have to make many instant decisions about treatment and unlike doctors, on nearly every occasion when they treat a patient they are performing invasive work. There are also time-related issues, with dentists facing a constant battle to be on time."
For new dentists joining the workforce student debt adds to the stresses dentists experience.
Other issues include anxiety over loss of good vision, coping with medical emergencies, keeping up with new technology, occupational overuse syndrome and working relationships.
The self help guide aims to help dentists identify whether or not they have a problem and outlines ways in which they can minimise stress in their lives.
The Council says dentists and medical practitioners are five times more likely to become dependent on alcohol and drugs than the general population.
"There comes a time when people need to get help," Dr Annan says, "The guide looks at what point people should seek help and what kind of help is available and appropriate."
