The Cost of Doing Too Much
In dentistry, hard work has always been part of the culture. Long days, back-to-back patients, and the constant pressure to deliver excellent care can make “busy” feel like a badge of honor. But there’s a fine line between dedication and workaholism in dentistry, and many practices are crossing it.
Over the years, I’ve seen how overwork silently drains energy, creativity, and compassion from dental professionals. It’s rarely discussed until turnover spikes or morale drops.
What Harvard Business Review Says About Workaholism
According to the Harvard Business Review’s “A Workaholic’s Guide to Reclaiming Your Life”, workaholism isn’t just long hours—it’s an emotional compulsion to stay busy. The article highlights how high performers blur boundaries between personal and professional life until fatigue, resentment, and disengagement take hold.
In dentistry, this shows up as:
- Hygienists skipping lunch and working through discomfort.
- Front-desk staff covering multiple roles because “it’s easier to do it myself.”
- Practice owners feeling they must handle everything from HR to hygiene checks.
1. The Hidden Costs of Workaholism in Dentistry
Workaholism doesn’t just affect individuals—it ripples through the entire practice.
- Turnover rises. Burnout pushes top performers to seek balance elsewhere.
- Patient care suffers. Fatigue leads to errors and reduced attentiveness.
- Team morale declines. When one person is always “on,” others feel pressured to match the pace.
- Recruiting costs increase. Replacing skilled clinicians or administrative staff can cost up to twice their annual salary.
2. Why Leaders Often Miss the Warning Signs
Many practice owners don’t see workaholism coming because it initially looks like commitment. But the warning signs are there:
- Employees using paid time off to catch up on charts.
- Rising absenteeism or “mental health” days.
- Team meetings filled with sighs instead of solutions.
As leaders, we must recognize that consistent overwork isn’t sustainable—it’s a signal that staffing levels, scheduling, or workflow need attention.
A recent study in BMC Medical Education linked workaholism and stress among healthcare interns to personality traits such as perfectionism and high conscientiousness — characteristics often seen in dental professionals who struggle to delegate or disconnect.
3. How The AGA Group™ Helps Address Workaholism in Dentistry
At The AGA Group™, we’ve learned that addressing workaholism in dentistry starts with giving practices flexibility.
Our staffing models help practices manage workload without burning out their teams:
- Temp-to-Perm Placements: Allow you to evaluate cultural fit and workload balance before making a full-time hire. This model helps employers “pay for performance rather than potential.” Learn more in Why Temp-to-Perm Jobs Are a Smart Move for Job Seekers.
- Interim Coverage: Filling gaps when hygienists or assistants are out for leave helps prevent overloading others.
- Workforce Planning: We advise practice owners on staffing ratios to maintain patient flow without exhausting their teams.
By spreading responsibility more evenly, practices reduce stress, improve retention, and create a culture where productivity and wellness coexist.
4. Measuring What Matters: Your Time-to-Fill Rate
If turnover becomes a pattern, leaders should look closely at the time-to-fill rate—the number of days it takes to replace a departing employee. The longer that gap, the more strain falls on remaining staff.
Our clients often discover that faster hiring decisions lead to immediate relief. Learn how to track and improve your rate in Time to Fill Rate in Hiring and What Hiring Managers Need to Know.
5. Practical Steps to Create a Healthier Culture
Reducing workaholism in dentistry takes deliberate effort. Here are three ways to begin:
- Model balance. When leaders leave on time and take breaks, others follow.
- Normalize rest. Encourage staff to use their PTO without guilt.
- Plan for staffing flexibility. Partner with a trusted recruiting firm so coverage gaps never force burnout.
Small shifts in attitude can transform your culture from “always on” to “always improving.”
Sustainable Success Starts with Balance
After 45 years in the life sciences and healthcare staffing industry, I’ve seen how overwork hides in plain sight. It starts as dedication and ends as exhaustion. The solution isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter by building a team structure that supports both performance and well-being.
When dental professionals feel balanced, they deliver their best work. And that’s what great patient care—and great business—depends on.
About the Author
Greg Ikner is President of The AGA Group™, a healthcare services firm specializing in medical, dental, and executive search recruiting across Kansas and Missouri. With more than 45 years in life sciences and staffing leadership, Greg helps healthcare organizations attract, retain, and empower exceptional talent.
