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Occupational stress in dental hygienists
Martha J Sanders1, Claudia Michalak Turcotte
1Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA. Martha.sanders@quinnipiac.edu
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|May 8, 2010
Summary
Occupational stress and emotional labor in dental hygienists correlate with personal strain and musculoskeletal discomfort. Emotional labor is a key stressor needing further study in this field.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dental Hygiene
- Psychology
Background:
- Occupational stress contributes to attrition in dental hygiene.
- Limited research exists on organizational dynamics and emotional labor's impact on dental hygienist stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate occupational stress, specifically organizational stress and emotional labor, in experienced dental hygienists.
- To examine the relationship between occupational stressors and personal strain.
- To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort.
Main Methods:
- A survey study involving 30 experienced dental hygienists in the Northeast.
- Utilized the Emotional Labor Survey, Occupational Stress Inventory, and a Musculoskeletal Discomfort Body Map.
- Data analysis focused on correlations between stressors, strain, and discomfort.
Main Results:
- Overall stress, strain, and coping resources were within normal ranges.
- High prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort was reported in the neck, upper back, lower back, shoulders, and wrists.
- Moderate correlations were found between organizational ambiguity, emotional labor, personal strain, and musculoskeletal discomfort.
Conclusions:
- Emotional labor is a significant occupational stressor for dental hygienists.
- Musculoskeletal discomfort is prevalent and correlates with occupational stressors.
- Further research into emotional labor as an occupational stressor is warranted.
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