Dental Emergencies: Perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of dental teams in the UK

Abstract

The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to stretch the healthcare systems and the workforce alike, both nationally and internationally. This is equally true of the dental care systems and the dental workforce which had to respond and act promptly. This paper examines the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of dental teams in the UK and provides insight into not only this impact, but the early signs of mental ill health commonly triggered by life events, anxiety and fear, and often exacerbated by stresses. A sample of an established body of literature and recognised sources are considered. Finally, extracts of common threads from meaningful conversations will be alluded to, shining a light on the current state of the mental health and wellbeing of many in dentistry and the need for intervention and longer-term plans. We are often reminded that this period in time is a marathon not a sprint, the same could perhaps be said about a national response to mental health and wellbeing, as it will take time, but the time to begin is now.