New research explores how professinal burn out impacts patient safety

While burnout among dental professionals has long been recognised as an important issue, there's an increasing body of evidence, notes a new study newly-published in the International Dental Journal, that burnout is also "a patient safety issue with significant implications for the quality of care".

The scoping review, "The Relationship Between Burnout in Dental Care Professionals and Patient Safety", was peer-reviewed by the FDI World Dental Federation, of which the ADA is a long-time active member, and supported by The MPS Foundation, a global, not-for-profit, research initiative, dedicated to improving patient safety, reducing risk, and enhancing the wellbeing of all healthcare professionals.

The findings carry an urgent warning for healthcare leaders globally, highlighting that "how chronic stress, emotional exhaustion and fatigue can affect clinical decision-making, workplace performance and overall patient outcomes".

To preserve and improve the safety and quality of patient care, the wellbeing of oral health professionals needs to be a priority.

While mental health is increasingly viewed as a crucial issue for everyone working in dentistry, this study argues for "stronger mental health support, healthier workplace environments and systemic strategies that address the root causes of burnout" with the article promoting the study's release noting that "Supporting healthcare professionals is not optional, it is foundational to resilient health systems and safe care delivery".