[Burnout among dentists: a question of coping]

Work stress and burnout are considered to be serious professional risks in dentistry. This study investigated the relation between a dentist's coping style and burnout level. It was hypothesized that dentists characterized by an active coping style would show relatively low burnout levels, whereas dentists characterized by a passive coping style would show relatively high burnout levels. From a survey among 709 active general dental practitioners, who filled out the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Utrecht Coping List, this hypothesis was supported. It was concluded that coping style could explain differences in burnout levels to a substantial degree. In the discussion the need for feedback on one's coping style, and the importance of an individual dentist's active attitude towards career planning, among other things, are emphasized.