Level of Burnout among Israeli General Dentists

Objectives: To demonstrate the level of burnout among Israeli general dentists and to examine the relationship of burnout level with associated risk factors. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among sample of general dentists in Israel. Gathering of data included a 10 items validated burnout questionnaire (dependent variable), and a personal background parameters (independent variables – age, gender, place and school of graduation, number of years of professional experience, type of clinic, and geographic working area). Statistical analyses included one way ANOVA for univariate and a logistic regression model for multivariate analysis (dependent variable was operationally dichotomized into "high" and "low" levels, above and below the median). Results: One hundred and ninety nine general dentists participated in the survey. Dentists with less than 20 years of professional experience were found to be at higher risk for burnout (total average score) as compared to dentists with more than 20 years of professional experience (OR= 4.914, p<0.008). "Disappointment from people" was found to be associated with age (40-50 yrs, OR= 5.110, p<0.013, and 50-60 yrs, OR=3.826, p<0.016), as compared to dentists over 60 yrs of age. "Helplessness" was found to be associated with less than 20 yrs of professional experience (OR=4.650, p<0.014) as compared to dentists with more than 20 years of professional experience. Conclusions: Less experienced dentists are at higher risk for burnout, especially in the emotional aspects. Undergraduate curriculum should address this issue with regards to handling and coping abilities. An additional research of burnout level among young dentists is recommended.