Factors Associated with Burnout among Dental Hygienists in California

Abstract

Purpose: The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) quantifies the characteristics of mental and physical exhaustion caused by one’s professional life. The purpose of this study was to assess the key occupational factors that may contribute to burnout among dental hygienist members of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association as measured by the MBI.

Methods: A 36-item electronic survey, consisting of questions assessing burnout, demographic information, clinical care and occupational environment, was sent to dental hygienist members of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (n=2211). Mean scores for each of the burnout subscales (emotional exhaustion-EE, depersonalization-DP, and personal accomplishment-PA) were computed using the MBI manual guidelines, and statistically related to the occupational factors.

Results: The response rate was 20.9% (n=443). Thirty percent (30.9%) of respondents reported burnout, as identified by the MBI guidelines; 30.0% of respondents reported high emotional exhaustion (scores > 27) and 11.3% reported high depersonalization (scores > 10). Only 41.1% reported low levels of personal accomplishment. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization decreased with increasing age categories (EE: F=5.78, p< 0.05; DP: F=9.26, p <0.05). Respondents between the ages of 35-44 had the highest levels of emotional exhaustion (EE=24.7) and depersonalization (DP=6.34). Respondents reporting higher levels of self-perceived appreciation in the workplace were more likely to have lower EE and DP scores (EE: F=5.12, p <0.05; DP: F=8.66, p <0.05).

Conclusion: Approximately one-third of the dental hygienists in the sample population experienced burnout. Data indicate the importance of expressing well-deserved appreciation to colleagues and the need to develop educational programs to teach practicing dental hygienists and dental hygiene students strategies to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of stress that often lead to burnout.