Impact of Digitalization in Dentistry on Technostress, Mental Health, and Job Satisfaction: A Quantitative Study

Background: The utilization of digital technologies in the field of dentistry is becoming increasingly prevalent. Such technologies facilitate more precise and efficient dental treatment while also enhancing the overall quality of care. The advent of digitalization has brought with it a plethora of advantages, yet it has also given rise to a number of potential challenges. These have the potential to give rise to a variety of negative consequences, including an increase in stress perception. Objectives: This study identifies the digital demands and resources as well as the prevalence of digital stress perception among German dentists. Furthermore, the study examines the relationship between digital stress perception and work- and health-related outcomes, and it identifies potential preventive measures. Methods: The quantitative cross-sectional study involved a total of 325 German dentists. Data collection took place between January and April 2024. The questionnaire was validated using several established scales, including the Technostress Scale and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). Multiple correlation and regression analyses were conducted to ascertain the reliability and validity of the data collected. Results: The study results demonstrated that the participating dentists exhibited a moderate level of digital stress (M = 3.73 (SD = 0.71). Regarding the individual technostress creators, the highest mean was observed for the constructs of techno-overload (M = 3.91; SD = 0.76), techno-complexity (M = 3.63; SD = 0.71), and techno-uncertainty (M = 2.01; SD = 0.75). The participants reported an average level of exhaustion symptoms (M = 3.21; SD = 0.91) and job satisfaction (M = 4.52; SD = 0.78). The association between technostress and emotional exhaustion (as a burnout symptom) showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.38; CI: 0.07, 0.52; p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between the variables of technostress and job satisfaction, with a correlation coefficient of r = -0.33 (CI: -0.25, 0.07; p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study presents preliminary findings on the digital stress experience in dentistry and relevant associations. In the context of ongoing digitalization, there is a need for support and preventive measures to reduce technology-related stress. An optimized design of digital applications and the working environment are of crucial importance to improve the health of dentists and the quality of patient care.