Protrusive Dental Podcast Before the Breaking Point – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Dentistry – IC071
Why does dentistry have such high levels of stress and burnout?
Why do so many clinicians feel isolated despite working in busy practices?
What are the early warning signs that a colleague might be struggling?
And what can you actually do — practically — if someone is in crisis?
In this powerful and deeply important episode, Professor John Gibson shares his personal story and the mission behind the Canmore Trust. The conversation explores suicide prevention in dentistry, how to recognise warning signs, and the simple but life-saving actions every clinician should know.
Key Takeaways
- Dentistry has a well-recognised issue with stress, burnout, and suicide risk
- Suicide is always multifactorial — never caused by a single event
- Toxic culture, including harassment and unrealistic expectations, contributes to distress
- Social media comparison can amplify feelings of inadequacy and isolation
- Dentistry is uniquely demanding — both intellectually and technically
- Mental health stigma prevents open conversations within the profession
- Neurodivergence is increasingly relevant and often underdiagnosed
- Perfectionism is a key risk trait linked to suicidal thinking
- Working below your moral standards creates significant psychological stress
- Warning signs include changes in temperament, withdrawal, and isolation
- Asking directly about suicide does not increase risk — it can save lives
- Use the “double bounce” approach: ask the question twice if needed
- If someone says yes, act immediately — hospital or emergency services
- You are not responsible for managing the crisis alone
- Early support includes sharing concerns and involving a trusted person
- GP support can be transformative and should not be delayed
Highlight of this episode:
- 00:00 Teaser
- 00:51 Intro
- 04:16 John Gibson Introduction
- 07:15 Understanding the Scale of Suicide in Dentistry
- 09:59 Why Suicide Happens in Dentistry
- 11:13 Key Risk Factors of Suicide in Dentistry
- 12:09 Social Media and Comparison
- 12:52 Isolation
- 13:04 Difficulty of Dentistry
- 14:03 Mental Health Stigma
- 15:22 Neurodiversity
- 18:18 Perfectionism and Moral Conflict in Dentistry
- 21:44 Recognising Warning Signs of Suicide
- 21:46 Midroll
- 25:07 Recognising Warning Signs of Suicide
- 26:21 How to Approach a Suicidal Colleague
- 28:49 Double Bounce Technique
- 30:44 If the Answer is YES
- 33:36 Support and Resources for Dentists
- 34:12 Key Suicide Prevention Steps
- 37:40 Creating a Supportive Workplace
- 39:18 Reflective Space
- 40:00 Daily Positivity Practice
- 42:46 Canmore Trust Podcast
- 42:59 Outro
Learn more about mental health in Dentistry:
Check out more episodes on mental health, burnout, and wellbeing in dentistry.
PDP185 – Mental Health in Dentistry
IC040 – Overcoming Adversities
💙 Support and resources
If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, explore the Canmore Trust for practical support and guidance:
👉 thecanmoretrust.co.uk
They also offer helpful resources and podcasts focused on suicide prevention and mental well-being for healthcare professionals.
➡️General Dental Council – Mental Health and Well Being in Dentistry: A Rapid Evidence Assessment
#InterferenceCast #Communication #BeyondDentistry
This episode is eligible for 0.5 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance.
This episode meets GDC Outcomes B
AGD Subject Code: 770 Self Improvement (Mental Health / Stress Management)
Aim: To enhance clinicians’ understanding of suicide risk within dentistry, including contributing factors, warning signs, and practical approaches to supporting colleagues, fostering open conversations, and creating a mentally healthy workplace.
Dentists will be able to –
- Recognise the multifactorial nature of suicide in dentistry and identify key contributing risk factors such as toxic culture, isolation, and stigma.
- Identify behavioural and emotional warning signs of suicide in dental professionals and apply appropriate communication strategies, including direct questioning and empathetic support.
- Implement practical steps to support colleagues in crisis and contribute to a workplace culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing.