Stress and health problems in dentists.

Dental literature has suggested that dentists are particularly vulnerable to health problems due to stress associated with dental practice. However, much of the literature on this subject has been based on anecdotes or opinions rather than systematic research. This study provides current data based on a national sample of 238 dentists. The study compared the degree of stress experienced by male and female dentists and their ability to cope with stress, and then related stress and coping to various somatic and psychologic health problems, workdays missed, and alcohol and drug use. Results indicated that, in general, dentists were reasonably healthy and missed few days of work because of illness. Male and female dentists seemed about equally vulnerable to health problems, although women reported more headaches. Most dentists used alcohol and/or drugs in moderation, but men were more likely to consume alcohol. Both sexes used alcohol more frequently than other drugs.