An analysis of stress and burnout in UK general dental practitioners: subdimensions and causes

Abstract

Introduction: Dentistry is well documented as a stressful profession. The majority of UK dentists work in general practice, which can carry multiple sources of stress. Previous research has acknowledged the propensity of these sources of stress for General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) when undertaking clinical, administrative and managerial tasks. The results of these accumulative stress sources can lead to burnout among GDPs. Understanding the environmental drivers of stress is an important step in high, and in some reported cases, unsustainable levels of stress and burnout. Aims: To investigate the key dimensions of stress among GDPs and to model causality between these stress subdimensions and burnout as an outcome. To further identify the moderating influence of dentistry type (NHS, private) and performer type (practice owner, associate, corporate associate). Materials and Methods: The data is drawn from an online survey of UK dentists comprising BDA members and non-members. A total of 1513 GDP responses were used in the final analysis. The analysis is conducted using structural equation modelling. Results: We identify four subdimensions of stress in general dentistry; productivity stress, work content stress, patient-led stress and regulatory stress. Each dimension of stress is shown to have a significant causal link to burnout among the GDP population. While burnout levels among this population are already in excess of accepted thresholds, we find that stress is further elevated in specific areas of dentistry type and when performer type is considered. Conclusions: This study contributes across three main areas. First, stress dimensions in general dental practice are identified. Second, these dimensions are shown to have a causal relationship with burnout. Third, specific cases of general dentistry are shown to elevate already problematic areas of stress among general dental practitioners.

Independent Dentists in the UK have less access to Occupational Health

“…A recent survey by Toon et.al of 1513 dentists in the UK found statistically significant relationship (p<0.01, β=0.67) between work related stress and burnout in UK dentists amongst other factors [7]. Research in other parts of the world have highlighted similar findings over the last two decades [8,9].…”

Survey of Mental Health of Dentists in the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK

“…in 2019 found a statistically significant relationship ( P < 0.01) between work-related stress and burnout in UK dentists, among other factors. [ 12 ] Thus, the rebound phenomenon of patients visiting dentists after the ease of restrictions on practice could hit the dentists harder and there could be a perception of fear and anxiety about increased exposure to the pandemic virus, leading to further psychological trauma. Also, personal protective equipment constraints and fallow period between dental AGPs could add to the stress.…”

Should, must and risk - the three words at the heart of the decision whether a hygienist/therapist is assisted by a dental nurse

“…Consideration might also be given to the reported increased stress and burnout in the dental profession. 6 Running alongside all of this is the increased litigation in dentistry, particularly in relation to periodontal disease. DOI: 10.1038/s41407-019-0046-1…”