Since 2020, numerous headlines, articles, and research papers have been written about burnout in dentistry.1 There were even continuing education courses drummed up to discuss the significance of burnout in various roles within dental practices or clinics. Several professionals attributed burnout to one of the many reasons practitioners were leaving dentistry.1
What is compassion fatigue?
While burnout is widely acknowledged as a serious concern, compassion fatigue (CF) similarly affects dental professionals but has received far less discussion and research attention.2 CF is a state of situational awareness in which a person is no longer able to feel empathy for others with whom they commonly come into contact in their professional setting.2-4 CF has many names, and is often referred to as “the cost of caring.” CF can also be known as a secondary stress reaction, secondhand shock, secondary traumatic stress, or vicarious trauma.3 This brief article aims to shed more light on compassion fatigue and provide resources for anyone who thinks they or their colleagues may be experiencing it.
When CF occurs, it is a result of one’s chosen profession. Those who work with others as they navigate their health or healing are often the ones to suffer from CF the most. Thus, health-care workers, counselors, and first responders are often the most likely professions to report a feeling of CF. The condition is a concern because once a professional develops these feelings, they cannot perform their job as well and have a higher chance of leaving their profession earlier than retirement age due to the inability to care for others. It is as if their ability to display empathy toward others suddenly stops.2–4
CF causes, symptoms, and treatment
CF is defined as a type of trauma that occurs from listening to others’ trauma and healing patterns. Hearing frequent stories and recounts of trauma tends to take a toll on one’s body. Research has shown that CF affects a person’s mind and body by causing feelings of anxiety or depression and periods of insomnia. Finally, physical complications such as headaches, fatigue, and the inability to feel hungry may occur when periods of CF come on.3
CF treatment begins when a clinician recognizes that they may be suffering from it. It can be treated in multiple ways, depending on the severity of the situation. Some counselors and psychologists deal with trauma and may be an excellent resource for a health-care professional to express their grievances with CF. The trauma counselor or psychologist may recommend further therapy or medications depending on severity. Further, research has shown that those suffering from feelings of CF can change their situation by altering their mood by getting adequate amounts of water, nutrition, and sleep. Additionally, movement is medicine, and experts recommend that health-care professionals suffering from CF try to carve out 30 minutes a day for vigorous exercise. Finally, anyone suffering from CF is encouraged to set firm boundaries around work hours and ensure they use allotted personal time to try to give themselves a break from helping others.3,4
CF vs. burnout
CF is not to be confused with burnout, as they are two different situations. Burnout occurs once one is experiencing CF, and can be found among professionals and patients who are not necessarily in a “caring” role. Burnout is usually induced and occurs after prolonged periods of stressors, high workloads, and feelings of a lack of control over how a job unfolds throughout the day. CF does not necessarily have to happen after prolonged periods of listening to traumatic stories. Burnout does not happen from being empathetic. Burnout is more likely to occur in any career where a professional feels that they have no control over aspects of their work.2,3
CF and the dental professional
Currently, there is a lack of research on CF and its impact on dental professionals.2 Published literature is limited, and few continuing education courses have addressed this serious matter. One of the most significant questions that could be researched is the frequency of CF in the dental community. In addition, it would be interesting to see if those who have quit the dental profession could argue that it was more CF-based than burnout that led to their decision to leave. Finally, dental educational programs of all disciplines need to provide resources for future generations of dental professionals on how to recognize CF and seek help if they suspect they are suffering from it.
CF affects those in health care, and dentistry is not immune. As more research and stories shed more light, we hope to see it occurring less among dental professionals. If you feel like you are suffering from CF, I encourage you to seek treatment. As the sayings go, “It is OK not to be OK” and “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Taking care of yourself will help you be a better clinician in the future.
Editor's note: This article appeared in the November/December 2025 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
References
- MacCarthy T. Unmasking burnout: a dentist’s guide to recognition and recovery. Decisions in Dentistry. June 12, 2024.
- Knutt A, Boyd LD, Adams JL, et al. Compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout among dental hygienists in the United States. J Dent Hyg. 2022;96(1):34–43.
- Bhandari S. Compassion fatigue: symptoms to look for. WebMD. October 12, 2024.
- Clay RA. Are you experiencing compassion fatigue? American Psychological Association. July 11, 2022.
