We all get angry. But when stress runs high—like during the busy summer months in a pediatric dental office—those emotions can bubble over more quickly than we’d like. This quick quiz isn’t about judgment; it’s a tool to help you check in with yourself, recognize signs of rising frustration, and take small steps toward healthier responses. Whether you’re a dentist, assistant, front desk team member, or parent, this is your moment to pause, reflect, and reset.
True or False
1. I feel infuriated when I do a good job and get a poor evaluation.
2. When other people’s mistakes slow me down, it can upset me for the whole day.
3. When I get mad, I say nasty things.
4. I feel annoyed when I’m not given recognition for doing good work.
5. I feel like hitting someone who makes me very angry.
6. I feel stupid and inadequate in challenging situations, and I hate that.
7. I get furious when I’m criticized, corrected or embarrassed in front of others.
8. Sometimes I feel so powerless.
9. I often wish people who have hurt me could be punished somehow.
10. It doesn’t take much to get me mad.
11. People call me hotheaded and tell me I should calm down.
12. I blow up at terrible drivers.
13. I have a hard time forgiving others when they hurt or frustrate me.
14. I hate the way I get treated at restaurants or stores.
15. I swear loudly to blow off steam.
16. I’m a very ambitious person, so sometimes I get impatient and angry with other people.
17. I’ve been known to break things when I’m frustrated.
18. I feel ignored or dismissed, I shut down or lash out.
19. I replay arguments or upsetting interactions in my head for hours—or even days.
20. I often feel tense or on edge, even when nothing obvious has happened.
Interpreting Your Results
Count how many statements you marked as “True.”
Then find your range below:
0–5 True
🟢 Cool as a Cucumber
You tend to stay calm under pressure and don’t let frustration build up easily. You likely have strong coping tools or a naturally laid-back temperament. Keep checking in—you might still have stress beneath the surface that’s worth noticing.
6–10 True
🟡 Simmering Stress
You may not blow up often, but anger, frustration, or resentment can sneak in—especially during high-stress seasons (like back-to-school summer rushes!). This is a good time to build a few go-to strategies to cool off and reset before things boil over.
11–15 True
🟠 Running Hot
You’re likely under a lot of pressure. Work stress, burnout, or feeling unappreciated may be piling up. Anger might be showing up in how you speak, feel, or react. This is your sign to prioritize your mental well-being. Small changes make a big difference.
16–20 True
🔴 Warning Signs: Red Zone
Anger might be taking over too much space in your life. That doesn’t make you a bad person—it makes you a person in need of support. When left unmanaged, anger can affect health, relationships, and workplace culture. You are not alone, and help is always available.
💡 No matter where you land:
Anger is a normal emotion—but if it’s unmanaged, it can become toxic.
This quiz isn’t here to label you. It’s a reflection tool—to help you notice what’s happening, understand it, and build healthier ways to respond. You deserve peace—and so does everyone around you.
Take the Heat Down: 5 Ways to Handle Rising Tempers in the Dental Office
1. Hit the Pause Button
🛑 Feeling your fuse get short? Stop.
Take one full breath before reacting. A short pause can prevent a big problem.
💬 Try saying: “Give me one moment, I’ll be right back.”
2. Name It to Tame It
🧠 Label what you’re feeling in the moment—“I’m stressed,” “I’m frustrated.”
Putting a name to your emotion helps you regain control and calm your brain.
3. Change the Scenery
🚶♀️ Take a 90-second break—step outside, go to the restroom, or walk to the back.
A small shift in space can create a big shift in your mindset.
4. De-escalate with Empathy
🫱 Listen before responding. Try to reflect back what they’re feeling.
💬 “It sounds like you’re really worried about finishing this before school starts.”
Being heard helps people calm down—and you stay in control.
5. Protect Your Peace
🧘♀️ Their anger doesn’t have to become yours.
Remind yourself: “This isn’t about me.”
Set boundaries kindly.
💬 “Let’s revisit this once we’ve both had a minute.”
✨ No one’s perfect—but small steps can prevent big blowups. Take care of yourself and your team.
Rhea M. Haugseth, DMD maintained a private practice in Marietta, GA from 1982- 2017. She attended the University of Louisville Dental School and completed her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital / Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is proud to be a Fellow the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy – National Honorary Organizations for Dentists.
Dr. Haugseth is a Past President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD), and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(GaPD). Dr. Haugseth has been a National Spokesperson for the AAPD since 1989 and has been frequently interviewed for radio, print, and national television.
Dr. Haugseth is the Founder (2013) and Director of the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School in Atlanta Georgia. She is also the Founder (2014) and Director of the Pediatric Dental Team Association. She is committed to pediatric dental team members and continues to develop ways to enhance their knowledge and skills both in and out of the dental office.