Lucie Simic discusses what work-life balance in dentistry really means and why it’s important for practices to prioritise a healthy work culture.
Work-life balance is a topic that often find myself having in conversations, particularly in the world of dentistry, where the demands on teams are relentless.
However, in my experience, balance doesn’t exist in the conventional sense. Instead, I believe in the art of juggling, finding ways to share both the mental and physical loads so that life and work become complementary rather than competing forces.
Balance is not a static concept; it shifts with every ‘season’ of life. When I was navigating life with babies and small children, my idea of balance looked very different from how it does now, with my children in school and beyond. What worked for me then, shorter working weeks with more flexible days, would not necessarily work now when my work is often away from home, in all corners of the country.
I think the constant evolution of our own ‘balance’ is something we should all embrace, rather than chase an unrealistic idea of perfect equilibrium.
Finding balance in dentistry
Dentistry also presents unique challenges when it comes to work-life balance. Unlike many other professions, it does not naturally lend itself to ‘balance’ – you cannot be a remote dental nurse via Zoom for example. A clinician must be physically present to provide care, meaning that balance must be found in other ways.
For dental teams, achieving a sense of balance often comes down to workplace culture, leadership and systems that support staff in managing their professional and personal responsibilities. It requires conscious effort, adaptability, and a willingness to prioritise wellbeing alongside patient care.
At home, I operate as part of a true team. I have the privilege of travelling and working with great practices and people all over the country because I know that when I’m away, Mark and our incredible support team have things covered. And when I’m home, that same balance holds true for Mark. This isn’t about trying to be ‘everything’ all at once; it’s about everyone playing their part.
When you love what you do, the line between work and life fades away, and the juggle becomes a manageable, and sometimes rewarding, part of the journey. True equality is achieved when we recognise that having it all isn’t the goal, it’s about being all in, together.
For dental professionals, balance isn’t just about personal time; it’s also about mental resilience. Dentistry can be physically and emotionally demanding. Clinicians and their teams are exposed to high-pressure situations daily, from dealing with anxious patients to managing complex treatments. The risk of burnout is high, which makes it even more important to create a work environment that fosters wellbeing. When work is structured in a way that allows teams to manage stress and avoid exhaustion, both patient care and job satisfaction improve.
Tips for better work-life balance
One of the biggest misconceptions about work-life balance is that it means working less. But it’s actually about working smarter. It’s about setting boundaries, knowing when to say no, and understanding that rest and recuperation are not luxuries but necessities. Without them, performance suffers. Practices that prioritise a healthy work culture will find that their teams are not only happier but also more productive and engaged.
For dental practices looking to foster better work-life balance, here are my three key tips:
- Flexible working patterns where possible. While dentistry requires physical presence, flexibility can still be built into the working week. Practices can offer different shift patterns, job-sharing options, or even four-day workweeks where appropriate. Small changes, such as staggered start and finish times, can make a huge difference to a team member’s ability to balance their responsibilities outside of work. Allowing team members to have some input into their schedules fosters a sense of control and reduces stress
- Supportive workplace culture. A culture that recognises and respects personal lives is essential. This means fostering an environment where team members feel comfortable communicating their needs without fear of judgment. Leaders who lead by example, taking breaks, managing workloads sensibly, and encouraging downtime, set the tone for the rest of the team. Recognising achievements, providing opportunities for professional development, and simply checking in with staff to see how they’re coping can go a long way in creating a more balanced workplace
- Efficient systems and delegation. A well-run dental practice relies on efficient systems and delegation. No one person should carry all the weight. Ensuring that the entire team is trained, processes are streamlined, and there is adequate support prevents burnout and makes the working day more manageable for everyone. Investing in the right technology and software can also reduce administrative burdens, allowing more time to focus on patient care rather than paperwork.
One step at a time
Another crucial factor in achieving balance is setting clear expectations with both colleagues and patients. Overpromising leads to unnecessary stress, while setting realistic timelines and expectations helps manage workload effectively. It’s also important to encourage self-care within the team, whether that’s through structured breaks, mental health support, or simply fostering an open dialogue about wellbeing.
Ultimately, work-life balance in dentistry is not about rigidly separating work from life, but rather about creating a sustainable and fulfilling way to integrate the two. The key lies in teamwork, adaptability and a shared commitment to wellbeing. When balance is viewed as a dynamic concept, rather than a fixed destination, it becomes something that can be achieved in different ways through each season of life.
Achieving true balance is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about recognising what works best for you, your team, and your family at any given stage. It’s about making conscious choices to prioritise what matters most, without guilt or unrealistic expectations. And, most importantly, it’s about recognising that balance is not something you find, it’s something you create, one small step at a time.
Catch up with Lucie’s previous columns:
- The key to success in 2025 is consistency
- Are you paying your team fairly?
- Maximising the summer holidays for practice growth
- Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour: what can practices learn from it?
- Future-proof your dental team: ask ‘who’, not ‘how’.
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