10/09/2026
🩵 Are you OK?
In dentistry, we spend so much of our time looking after other people — our patients, our teammates, our families — that sometimes we forget to stop and check in with ourselves.
Between busy days, full books, deadlines, difficult conversations and the pressure to keep everything running smoothly, it’s easy to put our own wellbeing at the bottom of the list.
So today, on R U OK? Day, take a moment to pause.
Ask the person beside you.
Check in with your teammate.
Ask your receptionist. Ask your nurse. Ask your dentist.
And most importantly, ask yourself.
Because behind every uniform, every smile and every “I’m fine” is a real person who might just need someone to listen. 💛
You don’t need to have the perfect words or fix anything. Sometimes simply asking “Are you OK?” and genuinely listening is enough.
Let’s look after the people who spend their days looking after everyone else. 🦷💙
It’s OK not to be OK. And it’s always OK to ask.
Today is R U OK? Day
An important reminder to check in with yourself, your friends, your family and colleagues.
We know dentistry can be hard. The Dental Protection team hope you feel empowered to meaningfully connect with the people around you and start a conversation with those who may be struggling. You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.
Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:
1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in
Dental Protection members have access to counselling included in their membership.
Visit our wellbeing hub to find out more about this service and to access other helpful resources:
www.dentalprotection.org/australia/wellbeing
