Be Kind to Your Dentist and Vet (They’re Doing Their Best, Honestly)
Julia Davies
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t skip into a dental appointment with joy, and a trip to the vet usually means something has already gone wrong (often involving a pet eating something truly baffling). It’s easy to feel stressed… and sometimes that stress comes out as frustration about the cost.
But behind the scenes, dentists and veterinarians are under far more pressure than we might realise.
In the UK, the numbers are pretty eye-opening. Around 61% of dental professionals report high levels of emotional exhaustion, a key sign of burnout. Meanwhile, a UK survey found that 91% of vets say their job negatively affects their mental health. Both jobs increasingly levels or suicide and often staff leave these demanding jobs despite their services being desperately needed.
So why is it so hard?
Part of it is emotional. Dentists work with anxious (sometimes terrified) patients all day, while vets support worried owners and make difficult decisions about animal care. But a huge piece of the puzzle is financial—and it’s often misunderstood.
Yes, appointments can be expensive. And it’s completely valid to feel concerned about costs. But dentists and vets themselves are often under serious financial strain. Many have significant student loan debt, and instead of owning their practice, they may work under profit-driven organisations. On top of that, the cost of running a practice is enormous—buildings, specialist equipment, trained staff, insurance, and medical supplies all add up quickly.
So while it might feel like you’re paying them, they’re often juggling intense financial pressure too.
A little kindness goes a long way. A smile, a bit of patience, or simply recognising they’re trying to help can make a real difference.
Because at the end of the day, they’re not just fixing teeth or caring for pets—they’re doing a demanding job under pressure, and they’re human too.
But behind the scenes, dentists and veterinarians are under far more pressure than we might realise.
In the UK, the numbers are pretty eye-opening. Around 61% of dental professionals report high levels of emotional exhaustion, a key sign of burnout. Meanwhile, a UK survey found that 91% of vets say their job negatively affects their mental health. Both jobs increasingly levels or suicide and often staff leave these demanding jobs despite their services being desperately needed.
So why is it so hard?
Part of it is emotional. Dentists work with anxious (sometimes terrified) patients all day, while vets support worried owners and make difficult decisions about animal care. But a huge piece of the puzzle is financial—and it’s often misunderstood.
Yes, appointments can be expensive. And it’s completely valid to feel concerned about costs. But dentists and vets themselves are often under serious financial strain. Many have significant student loan debt, and instead of owning their practice, they may work under profit-driven organisations. On top of that, the cost of running a practice is enormous—buildings, specialist equipment, trained staff, insurance, and medical supplies all add up quickly.
So while it might feel like you’re paying them, they’re often juggling intense financial pressure too.
A little kindness goes a long way. A smile, a bit of patience, or simply recognising they’re trying to help can make a real difference.
Because at the end of the day, they’re not just fixing teeth or caring for pets—they’re doing a demanding job under pressure, and they’re human too.