Piraimathi P.*
Burnout is a psychological syndrome that develops in response to chronic occupational stress and is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment [8]. It has become a growing concern in healthcare professions due to increasing workloads, time pressure, and emotional demands. Dentistry is widely recognized as a highly stressful profession [4]. Dental practitioners are required to perform precise procedures under time constraints while managing patient anxiety and expectations. These factors contribute significantly to mental and physical strain [4]. Studies have shown that dentists often experience higher levels of stress compared to other healthcare professionals due to the combination of clinical responsibility, financial pressures, and patient management [3]. Importantly, stress in dentistry does not begin in professional practice alone. Research indicates that dental students experience significant levels of stress, anxiety, and even depression during their training years [2]. These early stressors, if not properly managed, may evolve into burnout during professional life [5]. Burnout has serious implications, including reduced quality of care, decreased job satisfaction, mental health disorders, and even substance abuse [2]. Therefore, understanding its prevalence and contributing factors is essential for developing preventive strategies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 48 dental professionals. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) was used to assess burnout. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test with significance set at p < 0.05.
Study Design
A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess burnout levels among dental professionals.
Study Population
The study included 48 dental practitioners at various stages of their careers, including early-career and experienced professionals.
Data Collection Tool
Burnout was assessed using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), a validated tool that measures burnout across three domains:
Personal burnout
Work-related burnout
Client-related burnout
The CBI is widely used due to its reliability and ability to distinguish between different sources of burnout.
Statistical Analysis
Data were analyzed using statistical software. The Chi-square test was applied to determine associations between variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
The study revealed a high prevalence of burnout among dental professionals:
|
Burnout dimensions |
Findings |
Percentage |
|
1.Personal burnout |
Participants reported regular physical and mental exhaustion |
95% |
|
2.Work related - burnout |
Felt completely worn out at the end of the workday |
33.3% |
|
3.Client related - burnout |
Stress due to patient interaction (very minimal; mostly positive impact) |
4.2% |
Personal burnout: 95%
Work-related burnout: 33.3%
Client-related burnout: 4.2%
Personal burnout was the most dominant form, indicating that general physical and emotional exhaustion is highly prevalent among dentists. Work-related burnout was moderate, suggesting that professional responsibilities contribute significantly to stress [3,9]. However, client-related burnout was minimal, suggesting that patient interaction may not be a major stressor and may even provide professional satisfaction [10]. Early-career professionals showed higher levels of burnout compared to experienced practitioners, highlighting the challenges faced during the transition from education to clinical practice [5].
DISCUSSION
The findings confirm that burnout is highly prevalent, particularly among early-career professionals. Stress experienced during dental education may progress into burnout in clinical practice [2][5]. The findings of this study highlight the widespread prevalence of burnout among dental professionals, particularly in the domain of personal burnout. This aligns with previous studies that have identified dentistry as a high-risk profession for stress and burnout [4,9]. One of the key observations is the high level of personal burnout (95%). This suggests that dentists experience significant emotional and physical exhaustion, which may be attributed to long working hours, repetitive clinical procedures, and the need for sustained concentration. Work-related burnout (33.3%) further emphasizes the impact of professional responsibilities. Factors such as workload, administrative duties, and financial pressures contribute to stress among dental practitioners [3]. Interestingly, client-related burnout was very low (4.2%). This finding is consistent with other studies suggesting that patient interaction may not be a major stressor and may even provide professional satisfaction [10]. Positive patient outcomes and gratitude can act as protective factors against burnout. Another important aspect is the role of dental education in the development of burnout. Longitudinal studies have shown that dental students experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression during their training [2]. These psychological challenges may persist into professional life and contribute to burnout development [5]. Early-career professionals were found to be more vulnerable to burnout. This may be due to a lack of clinical experience, financial instability, and the pressure to establish a professional identity. Similar findings have been reported in previous research [5]. Burnout has serious consequences, including decreased job performance, reduced quality of patient care, and mental health issues such as depression and substance abuse [2]. Therefore, addressing burnout is essential not only for the well-being of dental professionals but also for patient safety. Studies across different countries have also reported notable prevalence of burnout among dentists [9–11,14]. Female professionals may experience higher levels of burnout due to role-related factors [13]. Long working hours and dual responsibilities further increase burnout risk [12]. Burnout is also closely linked with reduced work engagement among dental professionals [15]. Studies such as those conducted in Central India further support the importance of understanding burnout in diverse settings [16].
CONCLUSION
Burnout is highly prevalent and early intervention at the student level is essential to prevent long-term consequences. Burnout is highly prevalent among dental professionals, particularly in the form of personal burnout. The findings suggest that stress experienced during dental education may persist into professional life, contributing to burnout. Early-career professionals are especially vulnerable. Patient interaction appears to act as a protective factor against burnout. However, the overall high prevalence highlights the need for early intervention strategies. Addressing burnout is essential to ensure the well-being of dental professionals and maintain quality patient care. The low level of client-related burnout indicates that patient interaction may act as a protective factor. However, the overall high prevalence of burnout highlights the need for early intervention strategies, particularly at the student level. Addressing burnout through preventive measures and support systems is essential to ensure the well-being of dental professionals and the quality of patient care.
REFERENCE
- Hornby AS. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. 8th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2010. p. 1477.
- Newbury-Birch D, Lowry RJ, Kamali F. The changing patterns of drinking, illicit drug use, stress, anxiety and depression in dental students in a UK dental school: a longitudinal study. British Dental Journal. 2002;192(11):646–649.
- Kay EJ, Lowe JC. A survey of stress levels, self-perceived health and health-related behaviors of UK dental practitioners in 2005. British Dental Journal. 2008;204(11): E19; discussion 622–623. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2008.490.
- Myers HL, Myers LB. ‘It’s difficult being a dentist’: stress and health in the general dental practitioner. British Dental Journal. 2004;197(2):89–93.
- Gorter RC, Storm MK, te Brake JH, Kersten HW, Eijkman MAJ. Outcome of career expectancies and early professional burnout amongst newly qualified dentists. International Dental Journal. 2007;57(4):279–285.
- Te Brake H, Smits N, Wicherts JM, Gorter RC, Hoogstraten J. Burnout development among dentists: a longitudinal study. European Journal of Oral Sciences. 2008;116(6):545–551. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0722.2008.00584. x.
- Maslach C, Jackson SE, Leiter MP. Maslach Burnout Inventory Manual. 3rd ed. Palo Alto (CA): Consulting Psychologists Press; 1997.
- Maslach C, Schaufeli WB, Leiter MP. Job burnout. Annual Review of Psychology. 2001; 52:397–422.
- Gorter RC, Albrecht G, Hoogstraten J, Eijkman MAJ. Professional burnout among Dutch dentists. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 1999;27(2):109–116.
- Osborne D, Croucher R. Levels of burnout in general dental practitioners in the south-east of England. British Dental Journal. 1994;177(10):372–377.
- .Murtomaa H, Haavio-Mannila E, Kandolin I. Burnout and its causes in Finnish dentists. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 1990;18(4):208–212.
- Khanna R, Khanna R. Is medicine turning into unhappy profession? Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2013; 17:2-6.
- Maslach C, Jackson SE. The role of sex and family variables in burnout. Sex Roles. 1985; 12:837-51.
- Osborne D, Croucher R. Levels of burnout in general dental practitioners in the south-east of England. Br Dent J. 1994;177(10):372-7.
- Te Brake H, Bouman A-M, Gorter R, Hoogstraten J, Eijkman M. Professional burnout and work engagement among dentists. Eur J Oral Sci. 2007;115(3):180-185.
- Dwivedi A, Purohit BM, Bhambal A. Is Dentistry Turning into Weary Profession? Dimensionality of Experienced Professional Burnout among Dentists in Central India. J Dent Oro Surg. 2016;1(5): 122.
10.5281/zenodo.19606587