The Dental Hacks Podcast

Alan welcomes back Dr. Dawn Grimes to talk about burnout. Lately it seems like social media can't stop talking about it and they both have some things to say about it! They define burnout as emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress, arguing it's not unique to dentistry. Dawn asserts that a poor relationship with stress, a lack of resilience, and unrealistic expectations—often fueled by social media—are the real causes. They suggest that instead of quitting or hiring a coach, dentists should reframe their perspective, manage expectations, and take practical steps to improve their lives both in and out of the office. Key Takeaways Burnout is real, but it's not unique to dentistry. It’s the result of prolonged, unmanaged stress from any demanding part of life or work. Social media can worsen burnout. The algorithm feeds you more of what you look at, so lingering on videos about burnout can make you feel worse. The constant comparison to a curated, glamorous online presence creates unr