Tackling the Emotional Toll of Patient Anxiety: How to Maintain Your Own Mental Wellness

Dr. Kyle Stanley and Dr. Martin Mendelson discussed the emotional toll of patient anxiety on dentists and the importance of considering the dentist's feelings alongside the patient's. They also explored the prevalence of dental anxiety and fear among patients, the complexity of dental fear and anxiety, and the importance of verbal and listening skills in dental care. The conversation concluded with discussions on the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-care for dentists to manage patient anxiety and avoid vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue.