PREVALENCE OF BURNOUT DIMENSIONS AND RELATED WORK ENVIRONMENT FACTORS - A PILOT DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AMONG DENTISTS IN BULGARIA (PART II)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of burnout dimensions - EE, DP and PA in the context of certain characteristics of the work environment: working hours (duration and planning of the work schedule), working with support staff and working conditions in the dental office - dental apparatus and equipment. A pilot project with a descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted, which was based on an anonymous survey among 156 dentists (response rate=90.6%, n=136) working in the capital of the Republic of Bulgaria, Sofia. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: socio-demographic profile and workplace characteristics; standard burnout research methodology, through the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS). The results suggested that among dentists who work more than 8 hours a day, the three dimensions of burnout had high or very high levels. Proper planning of the work schedule was associated with low levels of EE, DP and reduced PA, while its absence lead to very high ones. High and very high levels of depersonalization prevailed among dentists who did not work with support staff. Dentists using very good equipment had a lower risk of burnout than those working under worse conditions, as they also experienced lower levels of depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment. Therefore, recommendations on avoiding overload, proper and efficient planning of the work schedule, the use of support staff in the practice, as well as modern very good dental equipment, could play a key role in prevention, risk reduction and effective coping with "burnout" syndrome.