Violence against Dental Surgeons: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Violence and aggression against physicians has been reported commonly in Pakistan but there is still dearth of documented literature available on this global dilemma. Methodology: A pre-validated, online questionnaire was formed on ‘google forms’ and distributed among 640 dentists of average age 30 years. This questionnaire consisted of demographic data, multiple basic questions about workplace abuse and violence that dentists have felt or experienced during their duty hours and work set ups. It also included the experience of violence against dentists by offenders and their experience regarding institutional and hospital support provided in these situations. Results: A total of 524 dental surgeons participates in the research. It was discovered that most (85%) of the dental surgeons have faced some sort of abusive events in the past one year. Similarly, 62% of the study population had suffered moderate events whereas, approximately 38% had faced severe violent incidents. Dentists mostly face verbal abuse, followed by emotional, physical and sexual. The abuser is mostly the patient or his / her relative. Conclusion: Violence or abuse is considerably common in the field of dentistry and dentists have negative perception about institutional support regarding this matter. Keywords: Public health; Awareness; Dentistry; Human rights; Violence