Stresses and self-destructive behaviors of dentists.

The practice of dentistry is both a rewarding and a demanding profession, and the dentist's well-being may depend largely on how successfully he learns to keep the rewards and demands of his job in proper prospective. In order to achieve a desirable balance, he needs to identify the causal factors of stress and strain and take measures to eliminate, or at least lessen, their negative impact on his emotional health. This may involve a reevaluation of life style, health habits, and personal goals.