Job satisfaction among a group of UK general dental practitioners

Objectives: Aspects of the job of dentistry associated with stress have been investigated, but in the UK, little research has been produced on dentists’ job satisfaction. This survey was carried out in Staffordshire, England to assess the level of job satisfaction among general dental practitioners working there, and to assess the association of various personal and work related factors with job satisfaction. Method: An anonymous questionnaire previously validated and used among US dentists was posted to all 396 registered dentists in Staffordshire. Results: A 75% response rate was achieved. Data was analysed using non–parametric statistics for any significant differences in the scores for stress, respect, overall professional satisfaction, quality of life and overall job satisfaction according to the different demographic groupings of the dentists (alpha =0.05). Dentists with an area of special interest had higher scores in all categories except quality of life. Overall job satisfaction was higher among private dentists, and those in group practices and in non-rural locations. Investigation of correlations among the facets of job satisfaction, and some dentist and work related factors indicated the highest bi-variate correlation occurred between overall job satisfaction and overall professional satisfaction, delivery of care, income, respect and professional time. Conclusions: Job satisfaction was judged to be good among this group. Stress was the factor associated with the greatest dissatisfaction, however job satisfaction accrues from many elements. This survey produced similar results to preceding US studies, and suggests ways of improving job satisfaction.