By ArNelle Wright, DMD, MS
This article first appeared in the January/February issue of Today’s FDA.
As we step into a new year, many of us in dentistry have set professional goals — improving case acceptance rates or expanding our skillset, which ultimately expands our practices. Yet, how often do we include wellness on that list?
For many of us, prioritizing our health feels foreign, even indulgent, but the truth is that our well-being underpins everything we do. Without it, our goals become a double-edged sword, driving us further into burnout instead of building a fulfilling career.
Recognizing Burnout: When “Autopilot” Becomes a Problem
The thing about burnout is that it’s subtle. As dentists, we’re accustomed to operating on autopilot — moving from patient to patient, meeting leadership responsibilities, and managing financial stress, all without pause. Over time, this rhythm becomes our default. Only when we hit a wall — physical, emotional or mental — do we realize something is wrong.
Burnout often masquerades as “normal exhaustion” or “just part of the job.” But chronic fatigue, disengagement, irritability and a sense of futility are all signs we’ve ignored our needs for too long. The first step in reclaiming wellness is self-awareness: recognizing when we’re not okay and giving ourselves permission to do something about it.
In the following few segments of this article, I want you to see where you are and which concept can be applied to your life so that you remain well.
Redefining Rest
When we think of rest, we often imagine elaborate vacations or long sabbaticals. While those are wonderful if accessible, rest doesn’t always require a passport or extended time away. Sometimes, it’s as simple as staying home, unplugging from responsibilities and allowing yourself to just be.
Consider taking a weekday off — not to catch up on errands but to truly recharge. A spa day, a walk in nature or simply indulging in a book can do wonders for your mental health. Rest is about more than physical recovery; it’s about creating space for your mind to reset and your soul to breathe.
Fueling Your Body and Mind
Dentistry is a physically and mentally demanding profession, and how we fuel our bodies directly impacts how we show up for our patients, teams and families. As we enter the new year, consider these small but intentional changes:
We all know the importance of healthy eating, and this one is so cliche, especially for this time of year. However, choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods will sustain your energy throughout the day. Something I will be focusing on for several reasons is meal prepping at home and stocking my practice with healthy snacks. This way, I have fewer excuses to give in to the daily temptation of quick, processed food options.
Another one of my favorites, which sounds really obvious, is hydration. It’s easy to avoid or lose track of water intake during the work day. We all know to keep a reusable water bottle with us, but what good is it if it’s not being put to use? I’ve made hydration a habit by doing challenges with the team, and my favorite is sharing them publicly with my community online.
One final addition we can make as we commit to wellness is physical activity. Movement doesn’t have to mean an hour at the gym. A 20-minute walk, yoga session or quick stretch between patients can make a big difference. Earlier in 2024, I started taking a 40- to 45-minute workout class to protect my lunch while simultaneously sticking to my goals. I’m a busy mom and this was one of my best accomplishments last year.
Nurturing Your Spirit
Wellness extends beyond the physical. Spiritual practices, whatever form they take for you, can provide grounding and clarity in a demanding profession. Whether it’s mindfulness, prayer, journaling or simply sitting in gratitude, these moments help us connect to something bigger than ourselves and remind us of the “why” behind our work.
I know what you’re thinking: there’s no time. But I encourage you to carve out 5 or 10 minutes for this practice. I’ve noticed a big difference in my approach to everything by simply taking time to reflect and give thanks.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Joy
As we embrace the wins of 2024, let’s commit to more than professional success in 2025. Let’s prioritize wellness practices that allow us to do what we love alongside those who love us. By creating space for rest, fueling our bodies and nurturing our spirits, we can rediscover the joy of dentistry — not as a chore, but as a calling.
To my colleagues: here’s to a year of joy, purpose and growth. Let’s make wellness the foundation of our success. Because when we win at wellness, we win at life. Wishing you a positive, healthy and fulfilling year.
Dr. ArNelle Wright is the FDA’s 17th District Alternate Delegate to the ADA and serves as chair of the FDA New Dentist Task Force. She can be reached at arnellewrightdmd@gmail.com.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, spread hope and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time. The Florida Dental Association and the American Dental Association offer wellness resources as part of their member benefits. To access the FDA benefits, visit the FDA website's Healthy Dentist section.. ADA resources are available at the ADA website's Wellness section.
Beyond the Bite 