Effect of Personality on Burnout in Dental Health Professionals

Objective: To examine the association between personality traits and burnout among dental health professionals. Study Design: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 dental professionals from different teaching institutions. Methodology: Burnout was assessed using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and personality traits were measured using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Group comparisons were performed using t-tests and one-way ANOVA, and linear regression was used to examine associations between personality traits and burnout. Results: Overall burnout levels were low, with moderate levels of personal burnout observed. House officers reported significantly higher burnout scores compared with residents and faculty. Conscientiousness and emotional stability showed significant negative associations with overall burnout scores, indicating a protective effect, while other personality traits were not significantly associated. Conclusions: Early-career dental professionals are particularly vulnerable to burnout. Personality traits, especially conscientiousness and emotional stability, may help identify individuals at risk. Incorporating personality-informed screening and resilience-building strategies into dental education may support wellbeing and professional sustainability.