A SURVEY of dentists found that less than 40 per cent take a lunchbreak and over 60 per cent take no small breaks at all.
Income protection insurance provider Dentists’ Provident undertook an online survey earlier this year which also found that 60 per cent of respondents did not exercise.
The survey also revealed that 70 per cent of the dentists drank only half a litre of water a day or less, and over 50 per cent said they didn’t drink anything else during the day.
Dentists’ Provident advises that dentists should take a short break every hour to ensure that mind and body can rest and recover. "Doing this as a matter of routine could help to prevent a variety of health conditions."
It also points out that the Association of UK dietitians’ states that every day men should drink 2 litres of water and women 1.6, and that not having enough fluid can cause dehydration and that can lead to a variety of health issues.
A dentists who took part in the survey stated: "As dentists we try to do our best to look after ourselves but the job doesn’t often allow us the time between patients to drink the recommended level of fluid, as well as getting rid of it... Appointments are unpredictable, it's easy enough to control the timing of the patient coming in, but more difficult to know how long the appointment will be."
In a statement on the survey results Dentists’ Provident commented: "Although it’s hard with busy schedules, dental professionals need to be vigilant to ensure they are taking enough breaks, drinking enough fluids and taking some exercise. After all, it is important to look after your own health as well as that of your patients."
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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