A survey of stress levels, self-perceived health and health-related behaviours of UK dental practitioners in 2005

Abstract

To record stress levels and self-perceived health and health-related behaviours of dentists. A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 1,000 BDA members in April 2005. Respondents were questioned about self-perceived general health, medicine and drug use, tobacco and alcohol use, self-perceived general well-being, sexual health, occupational health, physical activity and nutrition. There were also some questions about women's health. Results were compared to a BDA study of dental professionals' health and well-being carried out in 1996. A response rate of 55% was achieved (545 replies). Two-thirds (67%) of respondents considered themselves in very good or excellent health and 53% were happy and interested in life. Only 42% were free from pain and discomfort and 26% experienced levels of pain that prevented them from taking part in a few or some activities. The majority (86%) had very or fairly stressful lives but most (83%) were either very or somewhat satisfied with their lives. Nearly all respondents (90%) planned to take action to improve their health during the 12 months following the survey: popular actions planned included increasing exercise (58%) and losing weight (42%). Very few respondents used tobacco (4% daily and 4% occasionally) and most (59%) said that only a few of their friends smoked: 36% had no tobacco-using friends. Only 3% of respondents had never had alcohol. The Short Michigan alcohol screening test revealed that 6% of dentists had a drink problem and 9% had alcoholic tendencies. The most common factors contributing to stress at work were patient demands (75%), practice management/staff issues (56%), fear of complaints/litigation (54%) and non-clinical paperwork (54%). More than half (53%) of respondents were relatively inactive during the day but 57% took some form of physical exercise at least 3-4 times per week. Nearly half (49%) of respondents felt that their level of physical activity was very likely or somewhat likely to cause them health problems. In spite of the dramatic recent changes to dentistry, the differences between the results of this study and the results of the research carried out in 1996 are minimal. Claims that dentistry is a dangerously stressful occupation are not justified and dentists seem to be as well and happy as other professional groups. There is however, a slight increase in the use of alcohol. Stress management and personal and professional awareness training should be included in the undergraduate curriculum, so that threats to physical and mental well-being which might occur during a dentist's professional life may be avoided or addressed.