Why Dental Clinicians Need to Walk More (And How to Easily Get 10K+ Steps a Day)

As dental clinicians, we rack up a surprising number of steps just from running room to room, but it’s not enough. Research shows the sweet spot for optimal health is around 8,000 to 12,000 steps per day (source), which supports cardiovascular health, longevity, and mental well-being.

Personally, I can tell when I’ve been slacking on walking—it really affects my mental state. Walking is a natural stress reliever and helps regulate mood. It’s also one of the most underrated tools for pain relief, as it promotes blood flow to muscles, keeping them oxygenated and healthy. This is crucial for us in dentistry since many of us struggle with pain. Plus, walking helps reduce body fat without compromising lean muscle mass.

How fast should I walk? Walk with purpose. Aim for a pace that feels like you’re running late—fast enough to make conversation slightly difficult.

Here are a few ways to boost your daily step count:

– Walk at lunch instead of scrolling your phone

– Park farther from the office or store

– Use a walking pad while working or watching TV

I’ve been using a walking pad for a month now and I love it. I use it in my office while typing or roll it to the living room to walk during a show. You can shop it here and use code STEPHWP to save 20%.

I also use a pedometer to track my steps and a weighted vest (choose 10% of your body weight) to level up my walks. The added resistance helps with bone density and boosts calorie burn.

💡 Want more tips? Watch my walking video here.

Happy walking—your mind, body, and muscles will thank you.