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Review
. 2024 Nov 26;12(23):2366.
doi: 10.3390/healthcare12232366.

Prevalence and Management of Burnout Among Dental Professionals Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Marius Negucioiu  1 , Smaranda Buduru  1 , Simina Ghiz  2 , Andreea Kui  1 , Sebastian Șoicu  3 , Rareș Buduru  4 , Sorina Sava  1
Affiliations
Review

Prevalence and Management of Burnout Among Dental Professionals Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Marius Negucioiu et al. Healthcare (Basel). .

Abstract

Background: Burnout syndrome represents a significant challenge in healthcare, impacting dental professionals globally across all geographic, demographic, or socioeconomic backgrounds. Pervasive work-related stress and insufficient management practices highlight the urgent need for enhanced awareness and targeted interventions.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the prevalence, causes, and impacts of burnout among dental professionals and to explore the effectiveness of various occupational health interventions aimed at managing and preventing burnout in the dental sector during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines, searching electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from January 2014 to April 2024. The eligibility criteria included studies reporting on the prevalence of burnout, interventions to reduce burnout, and the impact of burnout on dental practices. A quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies.

Results: The findings indicate high levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment among dental practitioners, with significant variations influenced by workplace factors, professional relationships, and pandemic-related stresses. Differential effects based on educational level and age were also evident.

Conclusions: This review highlights the urgent need for targeted public health initiatives and occupational health strategies to address and mitigate burnout in dentistry. Emphasizing professional relationships and workplace dynamics could play a crucial role in the prevention and management of burnout (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42024586616).

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; burnout; dentist; occupational health; preventive therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Prisma flowchart of study selection.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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