New initiative aims to improve the mental health of dentistry workers

The British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) has teamed up with BREATHE, a new initiative aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing across the whole UK dental sector.

Officially launched by England’s chief dental officer, Jason Wong MBE, at the BDIA Dental Showcase 2025, BREATHE is the first platform created specifically to support the wellbeing of everyone working in dentistry.

It offers practical advice, useful resources, and signposts to professional support — all in one place — for anyone in the dental community, from dentists and technicians to the dental industry, nurses, receptionists, and practice managers.

Mental health pressures are something many people in dentistry experience, not just clinicians.

Long hours, demanding workloads, and the emotional pressures of patient care can all take their toll.

And BREATHE aims to make it easier for people to talk about these challenges and find the help they need.

Edmund Proffitt, chief executive of the BDIA, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with BREATHE. It’s a brilliant initiative that highlights an issue affecting so many people across the dental world.

“Wellbeing isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential to keeping our teams healthy, motivated, and able to deliver great patient care.”

Dr Rana Al-Falaki, co-founder of BREATHE, added: “BREATHE was created because we saw how much the dental community needed a safe space to talk about mental health and to find genuine support.

“Partnering with the BDIA helps us reach more people and keep wellbeing at the heart of the conversation in dentistry.”

And Jackie Cooper, a cognitive hypnotherapist and co-founder of BREATHE and BREATHE Education, said: “The mental health and wellbeing of every team member is critical to the success of a dental practice.

“I’m thrilled to be supporting dental teams through BREATHE, helping them build resilience, reduce stress, and thrive both personally and professionally.”

Through the partnership, the BDIA will help promote BREATHE across its members and the wider industry, encouraging the dental community to take advantage of the free resources and support available on the BREATHE website.