Abstract
Objective: To determine whether occupational stress, health status, job satisfaction and burnout differed between the three major hospital dental specialties, and to compare this data with previous studies.
Design: A cross-sectional survey.
Setting: The regional dental teaching hospital and outlying hospital units in Merseyside in 1993.
Subjects and Methods: All 52 junior hospital dentists in the Merseyside area were invited to complete a self-report questionnaire to be returned by post. Up to three reminders were sent. 42 staff replied (81% response rate).
Main Outcome Measures: Occupational Stress Indicator, Maslach Burnout Inventory.
Results: The profile of stressors was comparable to a previously reported sample of hospital dentists. Job satisfaction varied significantly across specialties (P < 0.015) whereas personal achievement was reported to be strong regardless of the nature of work. Self-reported health (physical and mental) was similar across specialties. 10% of respondents were suffering burnout. Depersonalisation (a result of extended and demanding contacts with patients) was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in restorative and oral surgery specialties in comparison with orthodontists.
Conclusions: Although short-term stressors among hospital dental staff were not different between occupational groups, some important longer term effects were identified
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Humphris, G., Lilley, J., Kaney, S. et al. Burnout and stress-related factors among junior staff of three dental hospital specialties. Br Dent J 183, 15–21 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4809420
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4809420
This article is cited by
-
Mental health in dentistry: Has the profession opened up through the years?
BDJ In Practice (2022)
-
Key determinants of health and wellbeing of dentists within the UK: a rapid review of over two decades of research
British Dental Journal (2019)
-
The SAS grade: underused and under recognised?
British Dental Journal (2018)
-
Understanding emotionally relevant situations in primary care dental practice: 1. Clinical situations and emotional responses
British Dental Journal (2015)
-
Stress: TABOO. A 'practice that is prohibited or restricted by social or religious custom'.
British Dental Journal (2015)