Job stressors and their impact on dental hygienists' job satisfaction and intention to leave practice.

BACKGROUND

Job stress and demand were known to contribute to physical and psychological distress, poor job satisfaction, and burnout among dental hygienists prior to the pandemic. Added stress from the COVID-19 pandemic likely influenced these factors. Little research has been conducted to examine the influence of these factors on dental hygienists.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to characterize job stressors, physical distress factors, and psychological distress factors for dental hygienists working during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to assess if these factors were directly associated with job satisfaction and intention to leave practice.

METHODS

A survey was distributed through social media to a convenience sample of dental hygienists (n = 397). The survey consisted of the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, nine demographic questions, and five questions on intention to leave practice.

RESULTS

Quantitative job overload, job suitability, intrinsic reward, poor physical environment, anger, and depression were significant predictors of job satisfaction among dental hygienists working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout, work environment, and physical discomfort were the primary reasons dental hygienists planned to reduce clinical workload or leave the clinical dental hygiene field.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study identified specific stressors, physical, and psychological distress factors dental hygienists reported during the COVID-19 pandemic that influenced their job satisfaction and intention to leave practice. Employers could consider this information to mitigate any concerns, fears, and stress experienced by their employees to promote positive job satisfaction and decrease turnover.