Understanding emotionally relevant situations in primary care dental practice: 1. Clinical situations and emotional responses

Abstract

Background and Aims: The stressful nature of dental practice is well established. Much less information is available on the coping strategies used by dentists and the emotions which underlie the stressful experience. Previous research has been almost exclusively questionnaire-based, limiting the range of emotions explored. This study used qualitative methods to explore the full extent of emotions and coping strategies associated with stressful events in primary dental practice. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 dentists in Lincoln and the surrounding area. Verbatim transcriptions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants reported a wide variety of stressful situations, consistent with the existing literature, which were associated with a diverse range of negative emotional responses including anxiety, anger and sadness. Dentists tended to have more difficulty identifying positive events and emotions. The designation of a situation as stressful or otherwise was dependent on the dentist's personal interpretation of the event. Data relating to the effects of stressors and the coping strategies used by dentists will be presented in subsequent papers. Conclusion: The situations which dentists find difficult are accompanied by a diverse set of emotions, rather than omnipresent 'stress.' This has implications for stress management programmes for those in dental practice.

A study to explore specific stressors and coping strategies in primary dental care practice

“…Has been accepted as a stressor 8;25 but the previous study 20 found that perfectionism was a 'double-edge sword' functioning as a motivator for high clinical standards and a A deeper exploration of the dichotomy was important to inform the coping skills package.…”

“…13 Previously reported qualitative research [14][15][16] has explored dentists' stressful situations, accompanying emotions and the coping strategies used. The authors intended to use these data to inform the design of a self-help, stress management package for dentists.…”

Understanding emotionally relevant situations in primary dental practice. 3. Emerging narratives

“…As previously described, 1 many participating dentists referred to 'stress' as the major emotion they experienced at work. However, 'stress' is the perception of an overwhelming underlying emotion.…”

“…10 The possibility of emotional vicious circles was previously reported by dentists. 1 An alternative model of coping is given by Power 11 who emphasises the importance of the functionality of coping strategies over an analysis of the behavioural or emotional focus. Strategies can be internal to the self, as in trying to slow one's breathing rate or external, such as ensuring one writes thorough, contemporaneous notes.…”

“…14 Reflection on case stories is encouraged in general medical practice 15 forms an integral part of reflective practice. 16 This is often via participation in a 'Balint Group' which enables them to 'learn (1) to take responsibility for their own feelings and thoughts, (2) 17 …”