Burnout, Ego & The Silent Growth in Dentistry

 



Lately, I’ve come across quite a few posts—especially from younger dentists—sharing their frustration. Burnout. Underpayment. Disillusionment. And honestly, I feel them. I’ve been there too.

I just looked back at my journey. It’s true—many junior dentists, like junior medical residents, are often overworked, undervalued, and paid far less than they deserve. Shifts blur into each other. Rest becomes a luxury. And in the middle of it all, there’s a quiet question echoing inside: “Is this all worth it?”

But here’s something I’ve slowly come to realize after nearly 25 years in this profession…

Dentistry isn’t just about skill. It’s about maturity, resilience, and clarity—and that comes with time, not just talent.

When I stepped into practice as a fresh graduate, I thought I knew a lot. Maybe even everything. The textbooks were still fresh in my head, and my hands were eager to prove themselves. But there was something I didn’t understand then—diagnosis is an art, not just a protocol. It's often invisible, unappreciated, but absolutely essential.

Over the years, I’ve seen young dentists lose interest not because they weren’t good—but because they were too hard on themselves too soon. The pressure to be perfect, to earn well, to match the pace of others—it can crush your spirit if you let it.

I’ve also seen egos silently sabotage potential. It’s natural to want recognition. But in medicine—and especially in dentistry—humility is the bridge between good and great. We only grow when we admit that we don’t know everything. We only evolve when we ask for help without shame.

And we all make mistakes. I’ve made mine. Some I still carry. But every mistake taught me something more than any textbook ever could.

Here’s my heartfelt message to the younger generation stepping into this vast, unpredictable field:

  • Don’t rush your journey. Skill takes time. Trust takes even longer.

  • Don’t compare your chapter 2 to someone’s chapter 20.

  • Stay consistent. Stay curious. Stay kind to yourself.

  • Ask the right question your mentor will find you, not just jobs.

  • Ask questions. Lots of them. And listen more than you speak.

The market may seem saturated, but there's always space for excellence wrapped in humility.

So if you're feeling low, lost, or burnt out—breathe. You’re not alone. And you’re not failing. You’re just growing silently.

And as the Bhagavad Gita reminds us:
"You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions."

Keep showing up. Keep serving. The rest will unfold, one patient, one lesson, one step at a time. I have been there, so is many like me and so are you. Consistency is the only way you can grow. You cannot conquer the everest in a single day. You have to get acclimatized, which takes one to two months, and then, slowly move up. Every step in oxygen deprived atmosphere may seem like a lead shoe attached to your leg, sometimes even turn back after reaching the summit and restart all over again. This is the truth I have learned. Let go of your pride, your ego and your needs. Things will fall into place and your roots will be so strong that you will never fall.

SSP

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