Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-12-2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Covid-19 pandemic had increased feelings of burnout in registered dental hygienists who were employed in clinical practice before and during 2020. A survey of registered dental hygienists in California was employed. Participants completed a modified Maslach Burnout Inventory, to evaluate emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA). One open-ended question explored specific aspects of Covid-19 contributing to burnout. 162 surveys were completed and 139 met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis revealed that 40.29% reported high Emotional Exhaustion, 43.17% experienced low Depersonalization, and 85.61% reported high Personal Achievement. Lastly, 55.4% of respondents indicated that COVID-19 contributed to feelings of burnout. Limitations to this study include survey formatting, small sample size, and survey delivery method which could impact results. Future studies should incorporate qualitative methods, such as interviews and focus groups, to offer detailed perspectives of dental hygienists regarding burnout.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Robin A Gatlin RDH MS

Second Committee Member

Christina Calleros RDH MS

Third Committee Member

Angela D Cook RDH MS

Language

English

Keywords

dental hygienist, compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, burnout, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization

Document Type

Thesis

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