Burnout among Dental Faculty and Students in a Dental College

The dental professionals face wide variety of physical and psychological ailments that are induced or aggravated by the work environment, among them burnout is one which results from excessive handling of patients, may have certain negative effects on their personal and professional life and well-being.

Present study is conducted among the dental faculty and students in a dental college to know the burnout levels and effect on learning abilities of dental students.

After obtaining Permission and ethical clearance from concerned authorities an anonymous survey was conducted in dental professionals by using Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire to check the burnout rates.

Dental professionals were experiencing considerable levels of emotional exhaustion (EE) and diminished personal accomplishment (DPA) in the clinical period of dental education. Higher EE scores were observed among third years and postgraduate students with a significant p value (*p = 0.0000). The scores of DPA were high among third and fourth years suggesting increased levels of burnout with significant p value (*p = 0.0032). Scores of depersonalization (DP) were high among second years and staff (*p = 0.0001).

We conclude by saying signs of EE and DPA should be taken as early warnings for burnout syndrome. Fortunately, treatment modalities and prevention strategies can help dentists conquer and overcome these disorders.