PPE anxiety, discontent with regulators, pay disputes and bullying – help is at hand for dentists in a crisis

She’s a member of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee, and vice chair of the Welsh General Dental Practice Committee and Welsh Dental Council.

A while back, Lauren set up a closed Facebook group called Mental Dental to support dentists struggling with their mental health. The group has more than 5,000 members and offers a ‘safe place’ for dentists to discuss common issues and challenges.

Lauren was also involved in setting up Confidental – a helpline for dentists in emotional crisis.

The helpline is designed to offer ‘emotional first aid’ to dentists who are struggling emotionally and/or mentally and may be feeling overwhelmed.

Lauren says: ‘Sometimes a friendly and open, but confidential, ear gives us the opportunity to give voice to all the doubts and fears and shameful thoughts that gnaw away at us and leave us feeling weak.’ 

Here, she reveals how COVID-19 has had an impact on her and the metal health of her colleagues and how the two support systems are making a difference.