Written by: Dr. Alan Stern, FACD, FICD (who coined the term “Amygdalization”)
There is a concept from neuroscience that has quietly become a cultural force.
The Amygdala.
It is the brain’s alarm system—designed to detect threat and trigger rapid responses to keep us safe.
But it has a flaw.
It does not distinguish well between real danger and perceived threat.
And when it takes over, it overrides the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for reasoning, empathy, and thoughtful decision-making.
I’d like to introduce a term for what we are seeing more and more in today’s world:
Amygdalization.
A state in which individuals, groups, and even entire professions begin reacting to perceived threats as if they are immediate dangers—often with speed, intensity, and certainty… but without reflection.
This Is Bigger Than Politics
It is easy to point fingers at politics, media, or social platforms.
And yes—they amplify this.
But Amygdalization is not ideological.
It is biological.
It shows up anywhere humans feel:
- Uncertain
- Threatened
- Unheard
- Unstable
Which means…
It shows up in dentistry.
Amygdalization in Dentistry
We see it in:
- Dentists vs hygienists
- Private practice vs corporate models
- Fee-for-service vs insurance-based care
- Online commentary that escalates quickly and personally
What could be productive disagreement becomes something else:
Identity protection.
And when identity is involved…
Curiosity disappears.
Listening disappears.
And collaboration becomes nearly impossible.
The Cost of Reactivity
Amygdalization has consequences:
- Strained team relationships
- Poor communication with patients
- Burnout driven by constant tension
- Missed opportunities for growth and innovation
It also erodes something deeper:
Trust.
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Neuroscience
Long before we understood the Amygdala, Buddhist philosophy described three forces:
- Craving
- Aversion
- Delusion
Together, they create a cycle where we react automatically, believe our reaction is truth, and double down.
Sound familiar?
The Space That Changes Everything
There is a concept—simple, but powerful:
Between stimulus and response, there is a space.
Amygdalization collapses that space.
Leadership expands it.
In that space, we can:
- Ask questions instead of making accusations
- Listen instead of preparing rebuttals
- Respond instead of react
De-Amygdalization: A Skill Worth Developing
If this is a nervous system problem, then the solution is not louder arguments.
It is regulation.
It is awareness.
It is mental fitness.
Practical steps:
- Notice the reaction
- Pause before responding
- Seek context
- Humanize the other person
Your Words Matter
In a reactive environment, words can either:
- Escalate
or - De-escalate
As practitioners, leaders, and human beings…
We have a choice.
Final Thought
We will not eliminate conflict.
Nor should we.
But if we do not learn to manage the state in which we engage conflict…
Then Amygdalization will continue to divide teams, professions, and communities.
And in doing so…
We risk losing not just arguments—
But each other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alan Stern, DDS, retired from clinical dentistry in 2023 and now operates Better, Richer, Stronger, LLC. He is a dental practice coach, keynote speaker, and author.
His book, Enjoy the Ride, is available on Amazon.
Join his Facebook group, strangely called Better, Richer, Stronger.
He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also visit his website at dralanstern.com.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay.