Hi Friends,

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and I want to take a moment to talk about something that isn’t always easy to bring up in dentistry: mental health.

Dentistry is one of the most rewarding professions in the world — we get to change lives every single day. But it’s also heavy. The long hours, the emotional load of patient care, the constant pressure to perform, and often, the feeling that no one outside this profession really gets it.

I’ve seen firsthand the toll this can take. Burnout, isolation, anxiety — sometimes worse. And too many of us carry this burden silently.

A recent systematic review found that 42% of dentists reported symptoms of depression and 44% reported symptoms of anxiety, with roughly 1 in 10 experiencing these at moderate to severe levels—underscoring how deeply mental health impacts dental professionals .

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do this alone.

That’s why The Making Of exists. At The Retreat and inside our Facebook group, I’ve witnessed the healing power of vulnerability, the way walls come down when dentists share their struggles, and the strength that comes from being part of a community that understands.

This month, I encourage you to:

• Pause and check in with yourself. How are you really doing?

• Reach out to a colleague or friend. Sometimes the smallest text — “thinking of you” — can make all the difference.

• Remember that boundaries, rest, and joy are not luxuries — they’re lifelines.

Simple Strategies to Protect & Improve Mental Health

1. Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief

   When stress spikes in the middle of a busy clinic day, a simple breath can reset your nervous system.

• Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat 3–4 rounds.

• Extended Exhale Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6–8 counts. This engages your parasympathetic nervous system and reduces anxiety almost instantly.

2. Move Your Body Every Day

• Exercise isn’t just for physical health—it’s one of the most effective natural antidepressants. Even 10–20 minutes of brisk walking can boost mood, sharpen focus, and decrease stress hormones. For dentists and hygienists, stretching for shoulders, back, and wrists during the day can also reduce physical tension that feeds into emotional stress.

3. Set Boundaries to Recharge

• Dentistry is demanding—but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Protect time for rest, hobbies, family, and joy. Saying “no” to one more obligation often means saying “yes” to your mental wellbeing.

4. Stay Connected

• Isolation fuels burnout. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or friends who understand the pressures of dentistry. Even short, authentic check-ins can provide relief and perspective.

5. Practice Gratitude Journaling

• Before bed, write down 3 things you’re grateful for from the day. Research shows this simple practice rewires the brain for positivity and resilience—even during high-stress times.

6. Seek Professional Support When Needed

• There’s no shame in reaching out for help. Therapy, coaching, or peer support groups can provide tools, perspective, and accountability. Remember: prioritizing mental health makes you a better clinician, leader, parent, and friend.

And if you ever find yourself in the darkest moments, please know there is help available. Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is there for you 24/7.

Your life matters. Your story matters. And this community is better because you are part of it.

JOIN OUR INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY HERE

At The Making Of Retreat in Sonoma, Dr. Kyle Stanley spoke about Mental Health in Dentistry. Before the Retreat, he and I went LIVE to talk candidly on the subject.

Watch the LIVE with Dr. Kyle Stanley

With gratitude and compassion,

Dr. Ashley Joves

Founder, The Making Of

P.S. If this message resonates with you, please forward it to a colleague who may need to hear it. Sometimes sharing a reminder that we’re not alone is the most powerful gift you can give.