Burnout amongst dentists and dental students

A study exploring burnout in dentists is published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice titled “High prevalence rates of burnout and emotional exhaustion among the dental profession,” written by Kelvin I. Afrashtehfar and  Carlos A. Jurado (26 April 2023, 101886). A another study exploring burnout in dental students is published in the Joural of Dental Education titled “Correlates of burnout in predoctoral dental students in the United States,” written by Alex Joseph et. al (19 April 2023).

Studies to date have shown that burnout has become a problem for dentists. Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. It is beleived to occur in response to chronic stress that is unmanaged.

In the first study a systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 studies was performed that resulted in 31 used in the quantitative analysis. These studies demonstrated that 13% of dentists experience burnout syndrome, with emotional exhaustion being the most commonly reported symptom. It was found that the prevalence of burnout was higher in dentists who worked in private practice, had a higher patient load, and had lower job satisfaction.  Among dentists, the mean levels of emotional exhaustion were 17.9 and the mean levels of depersonalization were 6.9. Dentists who experienced burnout showed an association with increased risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

In the second study a survey of 631 predoctoral dental students from 21 dental schools in in the United States was conducted to explore burnout. About 89% of the students were between the ages of 20 and 29, with 57% being women. The study found that 44% of predoctoral dental students experience burnout and was higher in students who were female, non-white, and in their third or fourth year of dental school. Students who reported higher levels of burnout also reported lower levels of academic performance, work engagement, and well-being.

doctor dentist stressed - Burnout amongst dentists and dental students

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Both studies had several limitations including relying solely on self-reported measures of burnout syndrome, measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, which could limit the accuracy of the prevalence estimates and has potential bias such as for social desirability bias.

Both studies showed that burnout is a significant problem for both dentists and soon to be dentists still in school and that interventions are needed to prevent and manage it. Interventions to prevent and manage burnout in dentists include stress management training, peer support, and improved work-life balance. In the future longitudinal studies that explore the risk factors for burnout in dentists can be conducted. Further studies can include qualitative data from interviews and focus groups to better explain burnout.

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