Professional satisfaction in dentistry

The profile of the most satisfied dentist seems to be one of a contented, nonthreatened, positive person, who is active in the profession and community, has confidence in his management skills, and is positive about the direction of dentistry. He knows what he wants and has values that are likely to help him attain his goals. Certainly, many of the behaviors shown by highly satisfied dentists read like a prescription for avoiding professional burnout. By counseling the dissatisfied dentist to become more active professionally, to improve his or her practice management skills, to develop a positive attitude toward change in the dental profession, it should be possible to help these dentists gain more positive feelings about themselves and their profession. Although it is not certain that any change can be effected in the value structure of a currently dissatisfied dentist, it is possible to encourage the benevolent leader type to enter the profession whenever he or she can be identified.