Nearly 60% of dentists who reported "major" career stress are considering changing careers or retiring early, according to a new report from the American Dental Association.
The American Dental Association compiled the results from its Dentist Trend Report Survey and Consumer Trend Report Survey for its 2024 Communications Trend Report. The report aims to identify emerging issues for the dental industry and help improve communication between dentists, the ADA and other dental organization decision makers.
The Dentist Trend Report Survey was conducted between March and April with 560 respondents. The Consumer Trend Report Survey was conducted in March with more than 1,000 consumers throughout the U.S.
Three notes:
1. Eighty-two percent of responding dentists reported feeling some type of major stress in their careers.
2. Some of the main stress triggers for dentists were listed as workforce shortages, patient attitude, clinical dentistry and insurance reimbursements.
3. The ADA asked dentists how often they have felt defeated, wanted to quit dentistry or did not want to go to work over the last six months. Here are the results:
- Daily: 4%
- Several times a week: 12%
- Several times a month: 20%
- Only occasionally: 40%
- Not at all: 22%
- Prefer not to answer: 2%