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The Relationship Between Work-Life Balance, Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention Among Dental Hygienists
Angela Metrano1, Linda D Boyd2, Emily McCleary1
1Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health, Sciences University, Boston, MA, USA.
Journal of Dental Hygiene : JDH
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Work-life balance and job satisfaction are key factors influencing dental hygienists
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dental Hygiene Practice
- Human Resources Management
Background:
- Limited research exists on work-life balance (WLB) effects on job satisfaction and turnover intention in dental hygiene.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for retaining dental hygienists in clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationships between work-life balance (WLB), job satisfaction, and turnover intention among dental hygienists.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing a web-based survey distributed via social media.
- A convenience sample of 274 dental hygienists was recruited; 209 completed the survey (76% completion rate).
- Validated instruments included the WLB Measure, Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (JSQ), and Turnover Intention Scale (TIS).
Main Results:
- Average WLB was 3.20 (SD=1.06), average job satisfaction (JSQ) was 3.54 (SD=0.67) on a 1-5 scale.
- Average turnover intention (TIS) was 16.75 (SD=6.22) on a 6-30 scale.
- Regression analysis indicated that lower job satisfaction (β=-0.65, p<.001) and lower WLB (β=-0.21, p<.001) significantly predicted higher turnover intention, explaining 63% of the variance.
Conclusions:
- Both job satisfaction and work-life balance are significant predictors of dental hygienists' intention to leave their jobs.
- Employers should focus on improving factors like workload, communication, advancement opportunities, and recognition to enhance job satisfaction and WLB.
- These strategies are vital for dental practice retention of skilled professionals.
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