Dentists working conditions - factors associated with perceived workload

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Dental Practice Management
• Workplace Ergonomics

Background:

• Dentists face significant occupational health hazards including stress, high workload, and ergonomic strain.
• Limited research exists on occupational health specific to dentists and their working conditions.
• This study aimed to explore gender differences and factors contributing to high workload among dentists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify gender-specific differences in occupational health among dentists.
• To determine factors associated with a high perceived workload in dental professionals.
• To investigate the impact of working conditions on dentist well-being.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 187 dentists (123 women, 64 men) with 5-12 years of experience.
• Logistic regression analysis examined the association between workload and independent variables like gender, employment, work influence, social support, ergonomics, and working hours.
• Perceived workload and working conditions were assessed.

Main Results:

• 40% reported poor ergonomic satisfaction; 47% reported low work influence.
• Female dentists were more likely to be employees, have less work influence, and work part-time.
• High workload was significantly correlated with low work influence, low social support, and poor ergonomic satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Low work influence, inadequate social support, and poor ergonomics are key factors associated with higher workload in dentists.
• Workload levels were comparable between genders and employment types.
• Implementing preventive strategies focusing on individual and organizational measures is crucial for mitigating occupational health risks and maintaining a moderate workload.