Low burnout risk and high engagement levels among oral and maxillofacial surgeons

Little is known about the well-being of oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The aim of this study was to measure the levels of burnout risk and the demanding work aspects of Dutch oral and maxillofacial surgeons, as well as the levels of positive work engagement and stimulating aspects of the work environment. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, Dutch version (UBOS), and inventories on positive engagement, work demands, and stimulating aspects of work, were sent to all 179 Dutch oral and maxillofacial surgeons currently in clinical practices. With a 70% response, UBOS mean scores on Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization appeared lower, and on Personal Accomplishment appeared higher, when compared with relevant reference scores. Engagement scores appeared to be relatively high. Mean scores on the work demands subscales were all well below the scale midpoint, whereas work resources were all well above. Dutch oral and maxillofacial surgeons showed relatively favorable burnout and engagement levels. The aspects of the work environment that best explain differences in burnout are 'Practice demands and organization' and 'Lack of variation and perspective in work'. Differences in engagement are best explained by 'Variety in work' and 'Positive effect upon patients'. It is remarkable that all work demands show relatively low levels and all stimulating work aspects show relatively high levels.