Dentrix, Burnout, and Better Systems: A Real Conversation About Stress-Free Dentistry

Dr. Eric Block, DMD, CAGS, FICOI, FICD, FAADS is a full-time practicing dentist in Acton, Massachusetts, an educator, speaker, and author focused on helping dentists become more efficient, productive, and less stressed. A graduate of Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine, he completed a 2-year Implantology Residency at Boston University and lectures nationwide on clinical workflows, digital dentistry, practice management, and wellness.

👉 Check out Dr. Block’s books on Amazon

He is the founder of The Stress-Free Dentist, co-founder of the International Academy of Dental Life Coaches, host of multiple dental podcasts, and author of The Stress-Free Dentist and Stress-Free Dental Implants. Dr. Block is also actively involved in dental leadership, education, and wellness initiatives within the profession.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: 

Listen on Soundcloud: 

Burnout in dentistry is real, and it’s not something we talk about nearly enough. Recently on the podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Eric Block, and our conversation hit on something I see every single day in practices across the country. Dentists are smart, driven, and highly trained, yet many feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stuck.

Dr. Block and I first met while speaking at a dental sleep medicine conference, and what struck me immediately was how open he was about his journey. Like so many of us, he didn’t set out with a perfect plan to become a dentist. He found his way into the profession unexpectedly, built a successful career, and then hit a wall that many doctors quietly experience: burnout, anxiety, and regret.

What I appreciated most about our conversation was his honesty. He shared how being a perfectionist and an introvert in a highly social, high-pressure profession took a toll. Dentistry demands clinical excellence, emotional energy, leadership, and business skills, often without any formal training in how to manage all of it. Over time, that pressure adds up.

This is where systems and mindset collide.

When we talk about Dentrix optimization, workflows, and standard operating procedures, we are not just talking about efficiency for efficiency’s sake. We are talking about stress reduction. Clear systems reduce decision fatigue. Consistent workflows reduce chaos. And documented processes allow teams to function without constantly interrupting the doctor.

One of the most exciting things Dr. Block shared was his work on creating tools that help practices document and organize workflows. Onboarding, training, and daily operations are some of the biggest pain points I see in dental offices. When systems live only in someone’s head, stress skyrockets. When they are documented and accessible, teams feel more confident and supported.

Without leadership, training, and structure, even the best software cannot fix burnout.

Dr. Block also spoke about the importance of leadership and self-awareness. Dentists are often thrust into leadership roles with zero preparation. We spend years learning clinical skills but very little time learning how to communicate, manage people, or take care of ourselves. Over time, that imbalance shows up as stress, frustration, and disengagement.

One thing I strongly agree with is this: stress-free dentistry does not mean stress-free days. It means having the tools, systems, and mindset to handle stress without letting it run your life. That includes asking for help, building better workflows, and recognizing that leadership and systems are skills that can be learned.

For more content that supports better systems and stronger Dentrix use, the Novonee blog has resources designed to make your software work for you, not the other way around.

Because becoming a high-performing dental team starts with clarity, structure, and taking care of the people behind the practice.