Investigation into the enablers and barriers of career satisfaction among Australian oral health therapists

Abstract

Objectives This qualitative study explored the enablers and barriers of career satisfaction among Australian oral health therapists (OHTs) and the reasons behind career changes. Methods Participants were recruited in 2 ways: 1) recruitment posts were made on the Facebook pages of two professional groups; and 2) an email was sent to the Doctor of Dental Medicine students of the University of Sydney School of Dentistry, inviting those with OHT qualifications to participate. Each participant completed a semi‐structured interview which was guided by open‐ended questions. The average interview length was 45 min. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and manually coded. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was completed using an inductive approach. Results Twenty‐one OHTs participated in this study. The enablers of OHT career satisfaction include clinical practice, job variety, career flexibility, being in a supportive team environment and the opportunity for constant learning and growth. The barriers to career satisfaction include musculoskeletal problems, restrictions on the scope of practice use, psychological stress and lack of recognition from others. OHTs remain in the profession due to stable income and employment opportunities. The main reasons for retirement were burnout and pursuing dentistry. OHTs pursue dentistry to expand their scope of practice. Conclusion This study revealed the enablers and barriers of OHT career satisfaction in an Australian context. OHTs are an important component of modern dental workforces, and reasons for attrition within the workforce are essential for maintaining responsiveness to community oral health needs.

Exploring reasons why South African dental therapists are leaving their profession: A theory-informed qualitative study

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Identification and assessment of factors that impact the demand for and supply of dental hygienists amidst an evolving workforce context: a scoping review

“…Finally, another series of articles focused on various enablers or components of dental hygienist job/career satisfaction. This included two from Korea [ 76 , 77 ], and one each from Australia [ 78 ], Japan [ 79 ] and the USA [ 80 ].…”

Dental therapist job satisfaction and intention to leave: A cross-sectional study

“…These findings align with similar studies conducted in South Africa, the UK and New Zealand. 32,33,34 However, these sources of dissatisfaction are not universal among dental therapists. For instance, Australian dental therapists reported satisfaction with the work itself, supportive environment, career development, autonomy and professional recognition.…”

“…The state as the employer sees dental therapists as instruments of cheap labour just as apartheid aimed it to be. (Male,34).…”