Assessing Dentist Job Satisfaction by A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background:
Job satisfaction is a critical aspect of professional well-being, influencing both individual performance and overall healthcare delivery. In dentistry, job satisfaction (DJS) is influenced by various environmental and work-related factors, yet findings across studies have been inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the level of DJS and the impact of work environmental factors on job satisfaction among dentists, addressing existing gaps in the literature.
Methods:
This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases up until March 1, 2024, to identify cross-sectional studies using the Dentist Satisfaction Survey (DSS) or its modified versions. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data on job satisfaction scores and work-related environmental factors were extracted.
Results:
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 4810 participants across high, upper-middle, and lower-middle-income countries. Overall job satisfaction levels ranged from neutral to high, with a combined random effect size of 3.83 (95% CI: 3.81–3.84). Key factors positively impacting DJS included patient relationships, respect, delivery of care, staff, and professional environment. Factors such as personal time, income, and stress were associated with lower satisfaction. Specialists reported higher satisfaction levels than general dentists.
Conclusion:
Dentists generally experience moderate to high job satisfaction, with key determinants including professional relationships, patient care, and work environment. Conversely, challenges such as time constraints, income, and stress detract from job satisfaction. Longitudinal research is needed to further explore the dynamic nature of these factors, particularly in middle- and low-income countries, and to evaluate the inclusion of stress-related factors in future DJS assessments.