01 August 2023

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Burnout in oral medicine and orofacial pain residents

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Background

The authors sought to identify the prevalence of burnout in oral medicine (OM) and orofacial pain (OFP) residents and investigate potential contributing factors.

Methods

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. An anonymous 22-item online survey was emailed to the residents of all Commission on Dental Accreditation–accredited OM and OFP residency programs in the United States. Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory was included to gauge the following details of burnout: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment. Questions also addressed the impact of residency program characteristics, work-life balance, and possible discrimination or abuse on burnout.

Results

Six OM and 12 OFP programs (72 residents) were contacted, and 46 residents responded (response rate, 64%). Overall prevalence of burnout was 35% (29% in OM residents, 40% in OFP residents). High EE burnout was noted in 57% of residents, high DP burnout in 11% of residents, and high personal accomplishment burnout in 59% of residents. Working for fewer than 40 hours per week was significantly associated with low DP burnout (P < .05). Moderate to high DP burnout was more prevalent in men and unmarried residents (whether in a relationship or not) were more likely to experience moderate to high EE burnout (P < .05).

Conclusions

Burnout among OM and OFP residents is an emerging concern due to its detrimental effect on the physical and mental well-being of the residents. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to report burnout prevalence in the 2 most recent dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association in 2020.

Practical implications

Early detection of signs of burnout among residents would allow program faculty and administrators to provide required support and resources.

Shaiba Sandhu et al. "Burnout in oral medicine and orofacial pain residents." Journal of the American Dental Association. 21 January 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2022.11.011