The Effect of Violent Experience on Burnout among Some Dental Hygienists

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of violent experience on burnout among some dental hygienists. The study subjects were 242 dental hygienists working at dental clinics. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire including information such as demographics, work-related characteristics, working environment, experience of violence, and burnout. The violence was classified as verbal violence, physical threat, or physical violence committed by dentists, patients, or caregivers. Descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to examine the factors associated with burnout. The levels of verbal violence, physical threat, and physical violence by dentists were 0.53±1.26, 1.12±2.70, and 0.04±0.42, respectively. The levels of verbal violence, physical threat, and physical violence by patients and caregivers were 1.50±1.89, 1.41±2.24, and 0.24±1.38, respectively. The score of burnout was 3.13±0.43. Total violence, verbal violence, and physical violence by dentists were positively correlated with burnout. Total violence, verbal violence, and physical threat by patients and caregivers were positively correlated with burnout. In multiple linear regression analysis, the level of physical violence by dentists was positively associated with burnout of dental hygienists (β=0.95, p=0.032). The levels of total physical violence (β=0.28, p=0.002), verbal violence (β=0.15, p＜0.001), and physical threat (β=0.19, p=0.009) by the patients or caregivers were positively associated with burnout of dental hygienists. This study examined the association between violence and burnout among dental hygienists. The level of violence showed positive correlation with burnout. Environment improvement to protect employees from violence and for management of employees who experienced workplace violence are needed to reduce the burnout.

A survey of the prevalence and predictors of workplace bullying towards the dental hygienist

“…Although the literature shows bullying can take a toll on an individual's emotional and mental health, this study did not focus on WPB’s health impact on dental hygienists. However, it is important to note there is a positive correlation between burnout, withdrawal and absenteeism among healthcare workers who have experienced WPB 7–9 . Research has also shown turnover rates as high as 60% among healthcare workers who have experienced WPB 11 .…”

“…However, it is important to note there is a positive correlation between burnout, withdrawal and absenteeism among healthcare workers who have experienced WPB. [7][8][9] Research has also shown turnover rates as high as 60%…”

“…There is a significant relationship between WPV and absenteeism in the workplace, 7 work‐related burnout 8 and the negative effects it has on home life 9 . In addition, WPV impacts mental and physical health, employee turnover, retention rates and patient satisfaction 10 .…”

Healthy and Respectful Workplaces: The Experiences of Dental Hygienists in Canada

“…Dental hygienists work in a variety of practice environments, such as private and public clinics, long-term care, and hospitals, where any number of potential factors can contribute to an unhealthy workplace (Canadian Dental Hygienists Association 2003). Most dental hygienists work directly with patients and dental care teams in fast-paced settings, which can produce stressful environments, in turn affecting psychological well-being and eventually leading to worker attrition (Gorter 2005;Jeon et al 2017).…”