Job Satisfaction among Dentists by Specialty

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the level of job satisfaction among specialist dentists according to their specialty.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 541 specialist dentists completed a validated job satisfaction questionnaire in a dentistry conference held in Tehran in the spring of 2023. The questionnaire consisted of 45 questions in 8 domains (37 questions on job satisfaction and 8 questions about occupational stress), indicating the level of satisfaction based on a 5-point Likert scale. The satisfaction level was determined by adding the weighted scores of each area. The mean job satisfaction score (out of 100) was reported based on demographic factors and specialty. Statistical analysis was conducted using t-test and ANOVA (alpha=0.05).

Results: The mean score of job satisfaction was 70±8 (out of 100). Male specialists, those working in the private sector, and those with lower stress scores had higher job satisfaction scores (P<0.05). Job satisfaction had a significant association with age (P=0.039) and work experience (P=0.048). Periodontists and orthodontists had the highest level of job satisfaction while endodontists and pediatric dentists had the lowest job satisfaction level (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The level of job satisfaction of dental specialists appeared to be related to individual and demographic determinants (gender, work experience, age, and workplace) and differed based on the type of specialty.