Burnout and stress-related factors among junior staff of three dental hospital specialties.

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.