As busy dentists and their staff juggle countless tasks, back-to-back patients, and unexpected surprises, stress can feel like part of the job description. But here’s the truth: when you’re constantly running on fumes, it’s harder to show up as your best self—for your patients, your team, and your own well-being.
That’s why self-care in the dental profession isn’t just important—it’s essential. From small daily habits to smart technology choices, there are real, practical ways to reduce stress and boost energy throughout your day. Whether you're a practice owner, hygienist, assistant, or front desk coordinator, these five tips can help bring a little more calm into the chaos.
Let’s dive in.
1) Get enough sleep
Sleep is often the first thing sacrificed during a busy week, but it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to manage stress. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night, and try to unplug from screens at least 30 minutes before bed. If your mind tends to race, a quick workout earlier in the day can help your body wind down at night. Well-rested teams are sharper, calmer, and more productive.
2) Eat healthy
"Eating a healthy diet can reduce the negative effects of stress on your body" - Matthew J. Kuchan, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at Abbott.
We get it—meal prep can feel like just one more task. But a bit of planning goes a long way. Use your weekend to prep grab-and-go snacks like almonds, sunflower seeds, or cut veggies. Even if you need to hit the drive-thru, there are healthier choices you can make. Nourishing your body helps stabilize your mood and boosts resilience on long clinical days.
3) Move Your Body
You don’t need to train for a marathon to enjoy the stress-busting benefits of movement. A brisk walk during lunch or dancing in the kitchen after dinner both count. The key is consistency. Regular movement helps release endorphins, reduce tension, and improve sleep—all of which support better mental health. Doctors recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a day or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week. And remember, there are fun things to do that are considered exercising like roller skating, dancing, swimming, and even gardening!
4) Take breaks
"Studies have found that breaks can reduce or prevent stress, help to maintain performance throughout the day and reduce the need for a long recovery at the end of the day" - Sonnentag S, Fritz C., The Recovery Experience Questionnaire
Short, intentional breaks can help reset your focus and give your nervous system a moment to relax. Even five minutes to breathe deeply, stretch, or step outside can help. Practice owners and office managers: be sure to encourage regular breaks throughout the day to support your team’s long-term energy and morale.
5) Use Smarter, Simpler Technology
Technology should make your life easier—not harder. The right tools can reduce mental clutter, eliminate repetitive tasks, and improve team communication. Here are a few ways practices are lightening their workload:
-
Centralized Data: When patient records, images, and financials live in one cloud-based system like Curve Dental®, you spend less time hunting for information and more time focused on patient care.
-
Automated Communication: Tools like two-way texting, appointment reminders, and online scheduling minimize back-and-forth and keep your schedule full without the phone tag.
-
Custom Treatment Planning: Visual, easy-to-understand treatment plans make conversations smoother and boost patient acceptance—so your team spends less time explaining and more time treating.
-
Real-Time Messaging: Need to alert a hygienist or doctor quickly? HIPAA-compliant tools like Curve Chat make it easy to collaborate without disrupting patient flow.
-
AI-Powered Assistance: Solutions like Ask CurveAI can instantly answer questions about your software—so staff don’t waste time digging through manuals or waiting on support.
When your technology works for you, the day feels a whole lot smoother—and your office manager just might feel cool as a cucumber.
