Musculoskeletal complaints, working conditions, and job satisfaction among Dutch orthodontists

This study explored the extent to which orthodontists experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and burdensome working conditions, assessed job satisfaction, and identified factors associated with job satisfaction.

Data were collected by means of a web-based survey comprising 64 items addressing general and professional characteristics, work-related musculoskeletal complaints, and five subscales addressing working conditions, stress, private circumstances, coping ability, and job satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, and bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed.

In total, 115 orthodontists participated. Almost three-quarters (73.0%) reported at least one WMSD, with the shoulders, neck, and lower back being the most frequently affected anatomical regions. While orthodontists reported a moderate burden from working conditions and private circumstances, most experienced low levels of stress, demonstrated high coping ability, and reported high job satisfaction. In bivariate analyses, fewer WMSDs, lower perceived burden from working conditions and stress, and higher coping ability were associated with greater job satisfaction. In the multivariable model, working conditions, practice ownership, and coping ability explained 25.2% of the variance in job satisfaction.

Greater job satisfaction was most strongly associated with more favourable working conditions, owning a practice, and higher coping ability. Although lower perceived stress and fewer work-related musculoskeletal disorders were associated with job satisfaction in unadjusted analyses, they did not remain independent predictors in the multivariable model. These findings suggest that both organizational and individual factors contribute to professional satisfaction among orthodontists. However, additional determinants not examined in this study are likely to play a role.