Occupational stress factors in hospital dentists.

This investigation examined perceived stress levels, personality characteristics and stress outcomes in a group of hospital dentists working in Belfast. Mean scores for this group were also compared with normative values. The occupational stress indicator was distributed to 45 hospital dentists; 40 returned the completed questionnaire. The mean score for each stress-related factor was analysed and compared with normative values. In addition the ranked scores for sources of stress were examined, and no significant differences could be demonstrated between the two groups. However, for external locus of control this group of hospital dentists demonstrated a significantly higher mean score of 42.3 than the mean normative value of 38.6. The dentists' score for their perception of their state of physical ill health was 23.9 and was significantly lower than the normative value of 27.8 but no differences could be demonstrated between the groups for mental health, Type A personality or mean stress levels.