A Pilot Study of Burnout in University of Birmingham Dental Students

Burnout has become a significant issue in dentistry in recent years, affecting both qualified dentists and dental students. By identifying and managing the key sources of burnout for dental students early on, this can help to reduce levels of burnout later in their careers.

Eighty-four dental students from the University of Birmingham completed a questionnaire derived from the Maslach Burnout Inventory to assess the levels of burnout amongst these students. This survey also extracted information regarding the students' main sources of burnout and suggestions to prevent burnout in future cohorts.

28.5% of the surveyed students were classed as 'burnt out' according to the findings of the questionnaire, with the key sources of burnout including exams, clinical requirements and patient admin. Suggestions for reducing burnout included spreading heavy workloads out evenly through the year and offering more support and advice to students on how they can prevent burnout.

Although some of the sources of burnout for dental students are not completely avoidable, such as exams and clinical work, smaller changes can definitely be made to improve student experience and reduce burnout levels. The School of Dentistry has already started to succeed in taking action to reduce burnout by acting on suggestions from students, such as increasing study spaces in the Dental Hospital and introducing morning yoga classes.

Further steps should still be taken to reduce burnout amongst dental students; research should also be carried out to investigate the effects of these interventions on burnout levels.