Burnout syndrome among pediatric dentists in Egypt

BACKGROUND: Pediatric dentists in Egypt are exposed to chronic stress associated with pediatric dental care. After long years of specialization, training, and practice, they seem to be unsatisfied. An increased prevalence of burnout could be the reason. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational burnout among Egyptian pediatric dentists. This study is a cross-sectional, observational study, which was carried by a self-administered online survey questionnaire that was sent to active members in the Egyptian Pediatric Dentistry Associations. A total number of 100 pediatric dentists participated in this study. All of them were offered to fulfill the questionnaires including that of Maslach Burnout Inventory and the semi-structured questionnaire to complete their sociodemographic and work-related data. RESULTS: It was found that the number of kids raised up by the practitioner is significantly associated with the level of depersonalization. It was also found that the number of working hours per week and number of patients treated per day have a significant association with the level of exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. There were no gender differences in the prevalence of burnout or depression. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout prevalence among pediatric dentist in Egypt is high and higher than its prevalence among other dentists. Marriage and sleeping in home with the family have protective effects against burnout statistically. There is significant association between high number of working hours of the pediatric dentist per week and burnout.