(by Catherine Murphy, DDS, MSD )

The perfect margin.

The perfect fill.

The perfect occlusion.

Does the strive for perfection correlate to our rising health concerns?

Our pursuit of perfection often begins early in dental education. One of the first critical moments I recall is the completion of the first wax setup, a foundational exercise in dental school that demands precision and meticulous attention to detail. This experience can ignite a lifelong quest for perfection, setting the standard for future clinical work.

However, the roots of this perfectionistic drive may extend even further back to childhood. For many dentists, the journey toward perfectionism starts with early academic achievements, parental expectations, and/or personal aspirations to excel. This early conditioning can instill a mindset where only flawless performance is deemed acceptable.

The American Psychological Association defines perfectionism as the tendency to demand of oneself or others an extremely high or even flawless level of performance, in excess of what is required by the situation. This relentless pursuit is linked to various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. In dentistry, while the quest for perfection aims to create excellent clinicians, it also poses significant risks if it leads to excessive self-criticism and burnout.

By understanding the origins and impacts of perfectionism, dental professionals can strive for excellence without succumbing to the detrimental effects of an unattainable ideal.

The Strain of Perfectionism on Dental Professionals

Perfectionism isn’t about doing things perfectly. Perfectionism drives professionals to strive for excellence and uphold high standards while setting an unrealistic benchmark that is unattainable. This often leads to a cycle of overthinking, procrastination, self-criticism, anxiety, depression, loss of confidence, and fear of failure.

Studies have shown that dental students and practitioners with high levels of perfectionism experience increased stress and burnout. For instance, a study published in the British Dental Journal (2019) found that dental students who pursued perfectionistic standards reported higher levels of stress and burnout, attributing this to the constant pressure to deliver perfect clinical results​.

The implications of these findings are significant. Dental professionals are not only at risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression but also face a diminished capacity to recognize and appreciate their achievements. This relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and a failure to acknowledge a job well done.

The Impact on Patient Care

Perfectionism does more than just affect the mental well-being of dental professionals; it also compromises patient care. When dentists become overly fixated on achieving perfect outcomes, they may lose sight of the patient’s overall experience and well-being. The emphasis shifts from providing compassionate and comprehensive care to focusing narrowly on technical perfection.

Research published in the International Journal of Medical Education (2020) highlighted that medical professionals with perfectionistic tendencies were assessed with higher levels of anxiety and depression. These mental health challenges can impair their ability to communicate effectively with patients, make sound clinical decisions, and maintain a patient-centered approach to care. The pressure to be perfect can result in excessive treatment times, increased patient discomfort, and a lack of flexibility in addressing individual patient needs​.

Recognizing the Cost of Perfectionism

One of the most concerning aspects of perfection paralysis is its impact on job satisfaction. The Journal of Applied Psychology (2018) study found that employees with higher perfectionism scores reported lower job satisfaction and higher burnout rates. The constant striving for an unattainable ideal lead to emotional exhaustion and a diminished sense of professional fulfillment​​.

Moreover, perfectionism in dentistry can lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms. Dental practitioners with perfectionistic traits may employ avoidance and self-criticism as coping strategies. These behaviors further exacerbate mental health issues and reduce overall well-being, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

Moving Forward: Embracing Excellence Without Perfection

To mitigate the negative impacts of perfectionism, it is crucial for dental professionals to shift their focus from perfection to excellence. Excellence involves striving for high standards while recognizing and accepting that perfection is rarely achievable. By setting realistic goals and celebrating incremental successes, dental practitioners can enhance their job satisfaction and improve patient care.

Fostering a supportive work environment that encourages open communication and provides mental health resources is also essential. Dental schools and professional organizations should prioritize training on stress management and healthy coping strategies. Creating a culture that values progress over perfection can help dental professionals maintain their passion for their work and deliver the best possible care to their patients.

Conclusion

Perfectionism in dentistry is a significant issue that affects both dental professionals and their patients. The pursuit of perfection can lead to increased stress, burnout, and a decline in the quality of patient care. By embracing a mindset of excellence rather than perfection, dental professionals can achieve a healthier work-life balance, improve their mental well-being, and provide compassionate, effective care to their patients. It is time to recognize that in dentistry, as in life, nothing is perfect, and that is perfectly okay.

As Michael Law, crisis management counselor and expert corporate communicator, aptly puts it: “At its root, perfectionism isn’t really about a deep love of being meticulous. It’s about fear. Fear of making a mistake. Fear of disappointing others. Fear of failure. Fear of success.”

Let’s let go of fear and perfectionism. Instead, let’s embrace a culture of support and growth. By seeking help and utilizing available resources, we can break the cycle of perfectionism. Organizations like the IDA (Indiana Dental Association) and ADA (American Dental Association) offer valuable resources to assist dental professionals in managing stress and maintaining mental well-being.

Written by Catherine Murphy, DDS, MSD