Myers Briggs Type Indicator, burnout, and satisfaction in Illinois dentists

There is conflicting research concerning satisfaction and burnout levels in dentistry. High levels of burnout can have deleterious effects on the dentist, his or her family, and patients. A random sample of Illinois general dentists was examined using the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Dentist Satisfaction Survey, and a demographic questionnaire. Areas examined were the frequency of types compared to a base population as well as the relationship of type to levels of satisfaction, burnout, and demographic items. Three of the 16 Myers Briggs types were overrepresented in this sample, while two types were underrepresented. Slightly less than half of the dentists were satisfied with their profession; 7.4% had reached significant levels of burnout and 83% perceived dentistry as being "very stressful." The personality types overrepresented in dentistry tended to have a higher level of satisfaction and a lower level of burnout compared to their cohort group.