Assessing wellness and burnout among dental faculty in the US during COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Through the progression of the COVID-19 global health crisis, dental education was under transformation. The work environment for dental faculty was characterized by new educational and administrative challenges with ever-changing social distancing protocols. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of burnout among full-time dental faculty in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the adapted Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. An electronic Qualtrics survey (Qualtrics®, Provo, UT) of 27 questions was administered to the deans of all US dental schools to collect data from their full-time faculty members. Descriptive and multivariable logistic analysis was conducted. Results: A total of 124 participants responded to the survey. The mean personal burnout score measured for this sample was 47.04, and the work-related score was 43.53. The junior faculty scored significantly higher on burnout than senior faculty members. During the pandemic, most participants rated “lack of social interaction and “increased household responsibilities” as disruptive to personal life, while “administrative activities” and “pursuing grants” affected their work life during the pandemic. Conclusion: Dental faculty experienced high levels of burnout during the pandemic. Therefore, dental institutions must establish supportive measures for their faculty and promote targeted faculty wellness programs.