Jordan Gale, Social Media Executive for Medenta, discusses Digital Wellbeing: its impact on Dentists and suggests strategies for building positive online habits.
As a social media executive with a background in Digital Wellbeing, from my work experience and university dissertation, I have developed a passion for promoting healthier online interactions and encouraging mindful tech use. I believe that minimising screen time and maintaining a balanced relationship with technology is crucial, which is why I want to highlight the importance of digital wellbeing in the dental profession.
Digital Wellbeing in Dentistry
Over recent years, technology has transformed dental practices, offering incredible benefits but also presenting challenges that can significantly affect dentists’ mental and physical well-being – a topic often overlooked. While digital tools, electronic health records, online patient portals and a social media presence are invaluable resources, they can also lead to screen fatigue, constant connectivity, and work-life imbalance. Here are some practical strategies to help dentists have a healthier relationship with technology.
Understanding Digital Wellbeing
You might be wondering, ‘what is Digital Wellbeing?’ In short, it’s ‘being conscious of the impact that technology and digital services have on your mental, physical, social and emotional health’ (techtimeout). Working in dentistry, you might not have considered this before: if you spend most of your evenings on your phone or watching TV, adding up your screen time for the entire day could be surprisingly alarming! Did you know that the average person spends over 6 hours and 40 minutes per day in front of screens connected to the internet? (Exploding Topics) – which is shocking. Increased risk of anxiety and depression and an adverse effect on sleep are just a few of the negative impacts excessive screentime can have on you (techtimeout). So, perhaps now is the time to make a positive change.
Common Digital Wellbeing challenges for Dentists
Here are some of the digital wellbeing challenges that you may not be conscious of…
• Screen fatigue – Prolonged use of digital tools, from patient record systems to email communication and social media management can all lead to eye strain and mental exhaustion
• Work-Life blurring – A lot of people are guilty of looking at notifications, after-hours emails and constant access to patient data, this can erode boundaries between work and personal time.
• Overload of information – The need to stay updated with the latest dental news, technologies and practises can lead to information fatigue.
Strategies for building positive online habits.
Having strategies for positive digital wellbeing is essential for maintaining a healthy balance between technology use and overall quality of life.
• Techtimeout – Techtimeout is an amazing company dedicated to promoting digital wellbeing, especially in the context of workplace environments. It helps individuals and organisations manage the effects of constant technology use by offering lots of free resources, workshops, and training on maintaining a healthier balance between screen time and personal life. They also offer a “Digital Wellbeing Company Certification,” which businesses can earn by demonstrating commitment to fostering a tech-balanced work culture. Such efforts are shown to reduce stress and improve job satisfaction.
• Establish clear boundaries – Schedule times when you pledge to avoid all screens, such as during meals, before bed, or the first hour after waking up.
• Take time for you – You can do this by making sure you take your lunch breaks. Why not take a short walk without technology? A few minutes of walking or stretching can provide a mental and physical reset.
• Optimise digital communication- Define work hours for when you will respond to messages and emails and communicate this to patients and staff to manage expectations.
• Prioritise ergonomics and posture – Just as it’s important to reset your chairside posture through stretching and movement, it’s also advisable to adjust your workspace, ensure your workstation is set up to promote good posture with the computer monitor at eye level and invest in ergonomic equipment, such as, a comfortable chair, a desk with adjustable height, or a screen mount which can help reduce physical strain.
• Practise mindful technology use – Mindfulness apps are a great example of good tech use. Apps like Headspace or Calm can help incorporate short meditation sessions into your day, reducing stress, enhancing focus and improving sleep
The bigger picture
Embracing digital wellbeing isn’t just about reducing stress—it’s about creating a sustainable and fulfilling dental practice. Managing your relationship with technology can improve patient care through focused and energised practice, and can enhance your personal well-being by fostering a healthy work-life balance. Lastly, it can also set a positive example for colleagues and staff.
Technology is an essential partner in modern dentistry, but like any partnership, it requires balance and boundaries. By prioritising digital wellbeing, dentists can thrive in their careers while preserving their mental, physical, and emotional health.
Take proactive steps today to ensure technology works with you as well as for you.