Mental Health Month – Supporting Dental Practice Managers and Teams
October is Mental Health Month, with World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The 2026 Australian theme is Together We Thrive, focusing on connection, belonging and the role we all play in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
For dental practice managers, this is a timely reminder that workplace wellbeing is not just about encouraging staff to “look after themselves”.
Managers are often balancing patient expectations, staffing shortages, team conflict, performance issues, financial pressure and the daily demands of keeping a busy practice running. Over time, that pressure can contribute to stress, fatigue and burnout.
What can managers do this month?
Use Mental Health Month as an opportunity to check in on both your team and yourself.
☐ Check workloads and unrealistic expectations.
☐ Encourage staff to take proper breaks.
☐ Review overtime and excessive hours.
☐ Check in privately with team members who appear overwhelmed.
☐ Address ongoing workplace conflict rather than allowing it to continue.
☐ Make sure staff know who they can speak to if they need support.
☐ Review how difficult patient interactions are managed.
☐ Consider whether managers themselves have adequate support.
☐ Create opportunities for genuine team connection and conversation.
Mental Health Australia describes connection, care and inclusion as important foundations for wellbeing and is encouraging workplaces and communities to strengthen everyday connections throughout October.
Free Webinar: Mental Health & Burnout in Dental Practice Management
To support Mental Health Month, a reminder that the ADAAMA webinar recording Mental Health & Burnout in Dental Practice Management is available for FREE, and includes the burnout questionnaire.
Presented by Sharon Lee, this 66-minute webinar looks specifically at the pressures experienced by dental practice managers and provides an opportunity to reflect on stress, burnout and maintaining wellbeing while managing the demands of the role.
If you are a practice manager — or you have a manager within your team — this is a great time to set aside an hour to watch, reflect and start a conversation.
Manager Takeaway
Mental Health Month does not need to mean introducing another workplace initiative.
Sometimes the most valuable action is simply to check in, listen, notice when someone is struggling and make sure support is available — including for the manager.
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Source: Mental Health Australia, Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day 2026 – Together We Thrive.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general workplace education and wellbeing purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. Anyone experiencing mental health concerns should seek appropriate professional support.
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