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Hopcraft MS, McGrath R, Stormon N, Parker G. Mental health, psychological distress and burnout in Australian dental practitioners. Aust Dent J 2023; 68:160-170. [PMID: 37199455 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental practitioners are known to experience a high level of stress, but little is known about the mental health of Australian dental practitioners. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mental health conditions among Australian dental practitioners. METHODS A cross sectional survey of 1483 Australian dental practitioners was carried out from October to December 2021. Participants reported aspects of mental health including depression, anxiety disorder, burnout (Sydney Burnout Measure) and psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and General Health Questionnaire 12). RESULTS Self-reported psychological distress was high, with 32.0% rated as having moderate or severe psychological distress and 59.4% a high likelihood of minor (or more severe) psychological distress. One in four participants (24.8%) were classified as likely to be experiencing burnout, with 25.9% reporting ever having a diagnosis of depression, 11.4% a current diagnosis of depression, 23.1% ever having a diagnosis of anxiety disorder and 12.9% a current diagnosis of anxiety disorder. CONCLUSION Australian dental practitioners reported a high burden of psychological distress, burnout and mental health issues, suggesting a need for education and programmes to support their mental health and wellbeing. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- eviDent Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R McGrath
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Stormon
- School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Health Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Community and Oral Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - G Parker
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Chapman HR, Golijani-Moghaddam N. Dental team's mental health. J Am Dent Assoc 2023; 154:8-9. [PMID: 36608964 PMCID: PMC9811341 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen R Chapman
- Visiting Fellow, School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
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Höglund M, Wårdh I, Shahnavaz S, Berterö C. Dental clinicians recognizing signs of dental anxiety: a grounded theory study. Acta Odontol Scand 2022:1-9. [DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2022.2154263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Höglund
- Centre for Orofacial Medicine, Public Dental Service Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Inger Wårdh
- Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Academic Center of Geriatric Dentistry, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Karlstad, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Shervin Shahnavaz
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Centre for Psychotherapy Education & Research, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carina Berterö
- Division of Nursing Sciences and Reproductive Health, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Hallett G, Witton R, Mills I. A survey of mental wellbeing and stress among dental therapists and hygienists in South West England. Br Dent J 2022:10.1038/s41415-022-5357-5. [PMID: 36513756 PMCID: PMC9746560 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-022-5357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Mental health and wellbeing of the dental team has been brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this renewed interest, there has been longstanding issues with poor mental health and wellbeing in the dental profession for some time. While there is some evidence that documents poor mental wellbeing amongst dentists, there appears to be a lack of evidence concerning dental care professionals.Aims To explore the level of mental wellbeing and stress amongst dental hygienists and therapists (DHTs) in South West England.Method An online survey was distributed to DHTs in South West England via two professional networks.Results A total of 129 surveys were completed. The mean levels of reported wellbeing were lower amongst DHTs than the general population and 45% of respondents reported high anxiety levels. Younger respondents reported lower levels of life satisfaction. Plus, 43.5% of dental therapists reported performing solely dental hygiene treatments, with those performing no dental therapy reporting lower happiness levels.Conclusion Low mental wellbeing amongst DHTs in the South West has been identified in this survey and this is likely to impact negatively on the morale and motivation of the workforce, leading to increased levels of absenteeism and ultimately, loss of colleagues from the dental workforce. The stress encountered by DHTs is largely workplace-related and therefore, there is an increased need for team- and organisation-delivered interventions to improve mental wellbeing for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Hallett
- Health Education England Southwest Dental Career Development Fellow, Special Care Dentistry, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Castle Circus Health Centre, Torquay, TQ2 5YH, UK.
| | - Robert Witton
- Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Ian Mills
- Peninsula Dental School, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
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Karatuna I, Owen M, Westerlund H, Berthelsen H. The Role of Staff-Assessed Care Quality in the Relationship between Job Demands and Stress in Human Service Work: The Example of Dentistry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12795. [PMID: 36232093 PMCID: PMC9566637 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate staff-assessed care quality at the clinic as a predictor of stress and as a moderator between job demands (quantitative demands and role conflict) and stress among dental professionals as an example of human service workers. Cross-sectional questionnaire data from 1012 dental professionals (i.e., dentists, dental hygienists and dental nurses) working at 99 clinics were analysed by confirmatory factor analysis and a two-level hierarchical linear model. Stress, quantitative demands and role conflict were measured by the Swedish standard version of COPSOQ III and care quality was measured by three proprietary items. The results showed that staff-assessed care quality at the clinic was of importance for the individual workers' experiences of stress. Furthermore, the staff's joint assessment of the care quality at the clinic mitigated the negative effect of role conflict on stress among dental nurses. These results indicate that a high level of staff-assessed care quality at the clinic can contribute to reduced stress in dental professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Işıl Karatuna
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Beykoz University, 34805 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mikaela Owen
- Centre for Workplace Excellence, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Hugo Westerlund
- Department of Psychology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanne Berthelsen
- Centre for Work Life and Evaluation Studies (CTA) & the Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, 205 06 Malmö, Sweden
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Stress Coping Strategies, Burnout, Secondary Traumatic Stress, and Compassion Satisfaction Amongst Israeli Dentists: A Cross-sectional Study. Int Dent J 2021; 72:476-483. [PMID: 34785064 PMCID: PMC9381368 DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Being a member of the dental profession is often associated with stress and high levels of burnout. Stress coping strategies may significantly help mediate burnout. The present cross-sectional study sought to examine the role of stress coping strategies on burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction amongst Israeli dentists. Methods The study was carried out amongst Israeli dentists with the use of the following questionnaires: (1) the Professional Quality of Life Scale 5 (ProQOL), referring to burnout, compassion satisfaction, and level of secondary traumatic stress; (2) the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations–Situation Specific Coping Inventory (CISS-SSC), referring to coping strategies (task-focused, emotion-focused, or avoidance-focused coping); and (3) demographic and professional variables (eg, specialisation, workload). Participants included 243 Israeli dentists. Univariate analyses and linear regressions were conducted to evaluate the relationships amongst coping strategies and burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction. Results Female dentists had higher emotion-focused and avoidance coping scores than male dentists. Burnout could be explained by higher emotion-focused coping scores and lower task-focused and avoidance-focused coping. Secondary traumatic stress could be explained by higher emotion-focused scores, having fewer years of professional experience, and younger ages. Compassion satisfaction could be explained by lower emotion-focused coping as well as by higher task-focused coping and workload scores, specialisation, and gender. Conclusions The findings suggest that emotional coping may cause dentists to be vulnerable to burnout and to secondary traumatic stress.
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Halvari AEM, Ivarsson A, Halvari H, Olafsen AH, Solstad B, Niemiec CP, Deci EL, Williams G. A Prospective Study of Knowledge Sharing at Work Based on Self-Determination Theory. SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF WORK AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.16993/sjwop.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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Fulton C, Carr A, Penlington C. Exploring the term "resilience" as understood and experienced by dental educators. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2021; 25:573-581. [PMID: 33220103 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Working as a dentist is a demanding and stressful occupation. Resilience is therefore widely thought to be a desirable quality in dentists, and these attitudes are likely to be initially formed during undergraduate training. The attitudes and experiences of dental educators are important as they are likely to influence dental undergraduates. This study describes how dentists working within an academic setting understand and experience resilience. METHODS A series of qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 dentists working within an academic setting in the UK. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. A structured process of thematic analysis was followed in order to describe key themes that arose in the interviews. RESULTS There was a common acknowledgement that resilience is the result of a dynamic process involving multiple factors. Six factors were described as relating to resilience: background and personal characteristics, environment, life challenges, mood, attitudes and expectations and actions and strategies. Each of these factors was also described as affecting the others in a reciprocal manner. CONCLUSION The academics in this study described resilience in terms of both personal and environmental factors and their interactions. This understanding could inform the development of programmes designed to enhance resilience for both dental educators and students, which might usefully focus on a range of individual and systemic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Carr
- School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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Gallagher JE, Colonio-Salazar FB, White S. Supporting dentists' health and wellbeing - a qualitative study of coping strategies in 'normal times'. Br Dent J 2021:10.1038/s41415-021-3205-7. [PMID: 34285386 PMCID: PMC8294212 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-021-3205-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Research has highlighted multiple determinants of dentists' health and wellbeing, and has raised concerns over workforce morale and retention. Limited research has been undertaken on possible solutions. Thus, the aim was to explore the coping strategies used or advocated by dentists to protect and support their health and wellbeing.Methods This qualitative study involved a purposive sample of dentists working in England taking account of age, gender, career stage, work sector, geographical area, position and route of entry to registration. Dentists were approached via gatekeepers across England to participate in semi-structured interviews. A topic guide, informed by past research, was used to guide the discourse. Informants' views were audio-recorded and field notes were made. Data were transcribed and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach to generate theory with the support of the framework methodology.Results Twenty dentists were interviewed from a range of backgrounds. Self-reported coping strategies included a range of strategies for 'taking control', including 'embracing self-care' and 'seeking professional support', while drawing on 'supportive personal and social networks'. Managing professional careers included diversifying through greater 'mixing' of NHS with private work, privatising, specialising, or combining dentistry with another role. Strengthening job security and facilitating diversity of experience remain important for supporting the health and wellbeing of dentists. Selling practices or, in the extreme, completely leaving the profession were considered practical options. At organisational level, building sustainable teams and transforming culture were advocated as important; while at systems level, reforming the NHS and bridging the gap between the profession and regulatory body were considered vital. Additionally, the need for strong professional leadership and wider societal debate was advocated as part of a whole systems approach to enable job satisfaction in delivering high-quality, patient-centred, evidence-based care in future.Conclusion While dentists demonstrated a range of coping mechanisms, multi-level action was advocated to enhance the health, wellbeing and retention of dentists. Systems reform at macro- and meso-levels is urgently advocated to enable fulfilling careers within dentistry, particularly for those at the front line of primary dental care in the public sector. Personal resilience alone will not suffice and recommendations for action are explored to avert a public health catastrophe. This is a time for reflection, debate and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Gallagher
- Dean for International Affairs, Newland-Pedley Professor of Oral Health Strategy/Honorary Consultant in Dental Public Health, King´s College London, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, Denmark Hill Campus, Bessemer Road, SE5 9RS, London, UK.
| | | | - Sandra White
- Former National Lead for Dental Public Health, Health Intelligence, Health Improvement Directorate, Public Health England, Skipton House, Area B, 2nd floor, 80 London Road, SE1 6LH, London, UK
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Gallagher JE, Colonio-Salazar FB, White S. Supporting dentists' health and wellbeing - workforce assets under stress: a qualitative study in England. Br Dent J 2021:10.1038/s41415-021-3130-9. [PMID: 34285387 PMCID: PMC8294242 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-021-3130-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Background Multiple determinants influence dentists' health and wellbeing. In light of recent concerns, the aim of this research was to explore contemporary influences on dentists' health and wellbeing in England, drawing on their lived experience.Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of dentists working in England, taking into account age, gender, career stage, work sector, geographical area, position and route of entry to registration. A topic guide, informed by the literature, was used to guide the discourse. Dentists were approached via gatekeepers, supported by snowball sampling. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis. Framework analysis was used, taking an interpretative phenomenological approach to develop theory.Results Twenty dentists, from a range of backgrounds, participated in this research. While health and wellbeing was reported to be more positive among dentists in their later career, those in their early career and/or with high NHS work commitments shared concerns about their physical, psychological and emotional health. Influences ranged from macro-level issues relating to professional regulation and health systems, through meso-level, notably their workplace and job specification, to micro-level issues relating to their professional careers, relationships and personal life. Dentists highlighted ethical concerns and feeling driven to deliver, together with being demoralised by a survival culture, all leading to perceived lack of control and reduced professional fulfilment. In contrast, being able to deliver quality care, innovate and effect change, as well as being valued for their delivery, were perceived to positively contribute to general health and wellbeing.Conclusion Dentists have a vital role in providing care for patients, so there are serious public health implications if urgent action is not taken to improve and sustain their health and wellbeing. This study confirms that dentists are affected by multiple contemporary influences, and although greater support is needed for individuals, organisational, system and policy changes may be required to fully address the challenges they face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Gallagher
- Dean for International Affairs, Newland-Pedley Professor of Oral Health Strategy/Honorary Consultant in Dental Public Health, King´s College London, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, Denmark Hill Campus, Bessemer Road, SE5 9RS, London, UK.
| | | | - Sandra White
- Former National Lead for Dental Public Health, Health Intelligence, Health Improvement Directorate, Public Health England, Skipton House, Area B, 2nd floor, 80 London Road, SE1 6LH, London, UK
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Teixeira H, Lalloo R, Evans JL, Fuss J, Pachana NA, Nović A, Burton NW. An exploratory study of perfectionism, professional factors and psychological well-being of dentistry academics. Aust Dent J 2021; 66:175-181. [PMID: 33403695 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Well-being might be lower among dentistry professionals than other health professionals, and differ by personal, professional and sociodemographic factors. Few studies have considered dentistry academics who have different work roles and functions than clinicians. This exploratory study focused on well-being among dentistry academics and aimed to explore associations with perfectionism, professional factors and sociodemographics. METHOD An online survey was carried out with academic staff in Dentistry and Oral Health departments of nine Universities in Australia and New Zealand. Well-being was assessed using the 22-item Psychological General Well-Being Index, with a maximum score of 110 indicating good well-being. Perfectionism was assessed using the 8-item Short Almost Perfect Scale, with a maximum score of 56 and a higher score indicating perfectionism. Twenty items were used to assess professional and 7 items assessed sociodemographic factors. Associations were explored using correlation and multiple linear regression. RESULTS There was no significant bivariate association between perfectionism and well-being. Multiple linear regression indicated a significant association between hours of undergraduate teaching and psychological well-being, after adjustment for age, gender, income and overall health. CONCLUSION This exploratory study showed poor well-being among dentistry academics, particularly in those teaching undergraduate students for more than 6 h/week.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Teixeira
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - R Lalloo
- School of Dentistry, Oral Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - J L Evans
- School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - J Fuss
- Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - N A Pachana
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - A Nović
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
| | - N W Burton
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, QLD, Australia
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Alire E, Brems C, Bell K, Chiswell A. The Role of Yoga in Treating Stress-Related Symptoms in Dental Hygiene Students. Int J Yoga 2020; 13:213-222. [PMID: 33343151 PMCID: PMC7735503 DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_5_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Research has provided evidence for yoga's effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of pain and stress, both of which have been implicated as significant negative moderators of student performance and experience. Aims: This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary impact of a 10-week yoga intervention with dental hygiene students to reduce perceptions of stress and stress-related symptoms. Settings and Design: Students self-selected into a yoga treatment versus control condition. They completed stress and pain measures at four time points during and after the intervention or control period of 10-weeks. Methods: Participants were students enrolled in a dental hygiene program. All 77 participants completed a 10-week study, self-selecting into an intervention or control group. They completed three self-report questionnaires assessing pain and stress, administered at baseline, mid-point, postintervention, and two follow-ups. The 10-week yoga intervention consisted of 10 90-min yoga sessions that provided check-ins, breathing exercises, sequences of postures, relaxation exercises, and closing meditations. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent samples t-tests were used to compare perceived stress levels of participants in the control versus treatment groups. Paired t-test was used to assess differences in stress-related symptom levels across time. Results: Results suggested that a yoga intervention is feasible for this group and that active yoga practice can lower perceived stress across multiple domains and across time. Conclusions: A specially adapted and designed 10-week yoga protocol appears to be an accessible option for dental hygiene programs that seek to support their students in improving overall wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Alire
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Christiane Brems
- YogaX, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn Bell
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aubree Chiswell
- Department of Dental Hygiene, West Coast University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Malcolm N, Boyd L, Giblin-Scanlon L, Vineyard J. Occupational stressors of dental hygienists in the United States. Work 2020; 65:517-524. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-203106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Malcolm
- Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, MCPHS University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linda Boyd
- Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, MCPHS University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jared Vineyard
- Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, MCPHS University, Boston, MA, USA
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Key determinants of health and wellbeing of dentists within the UK: a rapid review of over two decades of research. Br Dent J 2019; 227:127-136. [PMID: 31350498 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-019-0485-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Aim To review the key determinants of health and wellbeing among dentists working in the UK.Methods Rapid review of the literature (1996-2018) across seven health and social science databases through OVID and the Cochrane Library, professional and health system sources. Records were screened according to agreed inclusion and exclusion criteria by title, abstract and full text. Data extraction and qualitative synthesis of the included studies were performed. Quality assessments for risk of bias were made using a mixed methods appraisal tool.Results Thirty-eight studies met the criteria for inclusion. Fourteen were assessed as high, 22 as medium and two of low quality, most involving cross-sectional research in the form of questionnaire surveys. Whereas overall, the health and wellbeing of dentists within the UK is reported as 'good', recently published evidence suggests a less positive view may be emerging. The health and wellbeing of dentists is associated with a wide range of factors: personal, professional career, relationships, job specification, workplace and system. Emerging evidence suggests additional concerns about the regulation of dentistry. Workplace characteristics were most often explored among researchers and reported as being a key issue.Conclusion Evidence highlights multiple determinants of health and wellbeing, most notably related to workplace characteristics; however, while there is a relative lack of well-founded prospective research investigating the nature and direction of the relationships and comparison across UK health systems, there is increasing evidence of health and wellbeing concerns that require further investigation.
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Chapman H, Moghaddam N. Published research on stress. Br Dent J 2019; 227:72. [PMID: 31350475 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-019-0577-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Toon M, Collin V, Whitehead P, Reynolds L. An analysis of stress and burnout in UK general dental practitioners: subdimensions and causes. Br Dent J 2019; 226:sj.bdj.2019.46. [PMID: 30655619 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2019.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Toon
- Lecturer in Marketing and Strategy, Cardiff University
| | - V Collin
- Research Analyst, British Dental Association
| | - P Whitehead
- Head of Policy and Research, British Dental Association
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Moore R. Psychosocial student functioning in comprehensive dental clinic education: A qualitative study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2018; 22:e479-e487. [PMID: 29453857 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aims were to describe first-year clinical dental students' psychosocial experiences in a known well-functioning comprehensive clinic teaching group (F+Grp) and a known dysfunctional group (Dys-Grp) and, thus, discover and describe phenomena related to psychosocial functioning of students. These groups were compared and contrasted regarding negative stress symptoms, perfectionism and coping with stress. METHODS Eight female dental students (mean 26 years old), four in each group, were interviewed after the first clinical year about learning and emotional experiences. The students also rated their perceived stress using a 0-10 scale, where 0 is no stress, and 10 is highest stress. Qualitative analyses involved searching for recurring themes and discovery of categories of clinical and social functioning. All 8 students were revisited as dentists after 8 years and filled out a 15-item survey as longitudinal validation of their first-year clinical experiences and to estimate group consensus and informant accuracy. RESULTS Both groups suffered from negative stress symptoms attributed to lack of time for clinical tasks, worries about work quality with confusion about their own expectations and worries about how others perceived them. Dys-Grp experienced higher negative stress and maladaptive perfectionism and described crying behaviours, withdrawal and unwillingness to cooperate with others. In contrast, students in F+Grp provided rich content about mutual cooperation related to social networking and positive support. The 8 subjects exhibited high internal consistency (α = .98) in their responses to the follow-up survey about their first year of clinic. CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive care teaching clinic environment with students working in groups appeared to provide a possibility for students to support each other for improved stress coping. Unfortunately, the opposite also occurred. Positive, supportive teacher supervision of student challenges related to perfectionism and stress is crucial and requires specific attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Moore
- Institute of Dentistry and Oral Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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The evaluation of a continuing professional development package for primary care dentists designed to reduce stress, build resilience and improve clinical decision-making. Br Dent J 2018; 223:261-271. [PMID: 28840895 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Stress and burnout are widely accepted as a problem for primary care dental practitioners. Previous programmes to address this issue have met with some success. Burnout is associated with poor coping skills and emotion regulation, and increased rates of clinical errors. Anxiety is associated with poor decision-making and is thought to be associated with poor clinical decision-making. Attempts to improve decision-making use increasing meta-awareness and review of thinking processes. Bibliotherapy is an effective method of delivering cognitive behavioural therapy as self-help or guided self-help (with some therapist input) formats.Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a specially designed CPD package which was designed to improve coping skills, build resilience and reduce the impact of anxiety on dentists' clinical decision-making.Design A multi-centred quasi-experiment.Setting Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire (England) 2014.Materials and methods Thirty-five volunteer primary care dentists used two versions (self-help [SH] and guided self-help [GSH], which included a 3 hour workshop) of a specially written cognitive behavioural therapy bibliotherapy programme designed to improve well-being and decision-making.Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measures were dentists' burnout, depression, anxiety, stress and decision-making style. Data were also collected on use and evaluation of the programme.Results At 6 weeks there was a clinically and statistically significant reduction in depression, anxiety and stress levels, a statistically significant reduction in burnout (emotional exhaustion) and hypervigilant decision-making, and an increase in personal achievement. The improvements in depression, stress, emotional exhaustion and hypervigilant decision-making were maintained at 6 months. Dentists were overwhelmingly positive in their evaluation of the project and used most of its contents.Conclusion With the caveat of small numbers and the lack of a no-treatment control, this project demonstrated that a self-help package can be highly acceptable to dentists and, in the short-to-medium term, improve dentists' well-being and decision-making with implications for patient safety.
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A study to explore if dentists' anxiety affects their clinical decision-making. Br Dent J 2018; 222:277-290. [PMID: 28232686 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Aims To develop a measure of dentists' anxiety in clinical situations; to establish if dentists' anxiety in clinical situations affected their self-reported clinical decision-making; to establish if occupational stress, as demonstrated by burnout, is associated with anxiety in clinical situations and clinical decision-making; and to explore the relationship between decision-making style and the clinical decisions which are influenced by anxiety.Design Cross-sectional study.Setting Primary Dental Care.Subjects and methods A questionnaire battery [Maslach Burnout Inventory, measuring burnout; Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire, measuring decision-making style; Dealing with Uncertainty Questionnaire (DUQ), measuring coping with diagnostic uncertainty; and a newly designed Dentists' Anxieties in Clinical Situations Scale, measuring dentists' anxiety (DACSS-R) and change of treatment (DACSS-C)] was distributed to dentists practicing in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Demographic data were collected and dentists gave examples of anxiety-provoking situations and their responses to them.Main outcome measure Respondents' self-reported anxiety in various clinical situations on a 11-point Likert Scale (DACSS-R) and self-reported changes in clinical procedures (Yes/No; DACSS-C). The DACSS was validated using multiple t-tests and a principal component analysis. Differences in DACSS-R ratings and burnout, decision-making and dealing with uncertainty were explored using Pearson correlations and multiple regression analysis. Qualitative data was subject to a thematic analysis.Results The DACSS-R revealed a four-factor structure and had high internal reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.94). Those with higher DACSS-R scores of anxiety were more likely to report changes in clinical procedures (DACSS-C scores). DACSS-R scores were associated with decision-making self-esteem and style as measured by the MDMQ and all burnout subscales, though not with scores on the DUQ scale.Conclusion Dentists' anxiety in clinical situations does affect the way that dentists work clinically, as assessed using the newly designed and validated DACSS. This anxiety is associated with measures of burnout and decision-making style with implications for training packages for dentists.
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Marshman Z, Kirby J, Rodd H. Cognitive behavioural therapy and the adolescent patient. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.12968/denu.2018.45.4.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Marshman
- Professor in Dental Public Health, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield
| | - Jen Kirby
- Specialist Trainee in Paediatric Dentistry, Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield
| | - Helen Rodd
- Professor in Paediatric Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, 19 Claremont Crescent, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK
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Miron C, Colosi HA. Work stress, health behaviours and coping strategies of dentists from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Int Dent J 2018; 68:152-161. [PMID: 29315538 DOI: 10.1111/idj.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recognition of work stressors and their links to sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviours and coping strategies is important for enhancing the working conditions of dentists. AIM The aim of our study was to identify and rank work stressors in dentists from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and to investigate their potential links to sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviours and coping strategies. STUDY DESIGN A questionnaire based on the Work Stress Inventory for Dentists (WSID) was delivered to a cross-sectional sample of 250 dentists working in six neighborhoods across Cluj-Napoca, Romania, as well as at the local Faculty of Dentistry. We collected and analysed information on sociodemographic characteristics, work stressors, health behaviours and coping strategies. RESULTS Time and scheduling pressure, concerns about the future and pay-related work stressors were found to rank highest among the categories of work stressors investigated. Higher work stress was significantly linked to higher workloads, lower job satisfaction, poorer eating and exercise habits, higher work pain and discomfort, lower perceived health and less sleep. Job satisfaction was the single best predictor variable of work stress scores. The most frequently used coping strategy to deal with work stress was resting and taking breaks. Only one-quarter of respondents used active coping strategies. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that work stress is linked to a number of detrimental attitudes in dentists and that there is room for dentists to make lifestyle improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Miron
- Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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