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A study is presented which examined work-related stress among dental health professionals in the Western Health and Social Services Board (WHSSB) area in Northern Ireland. The researchers measured burnout, job demands, work engagements and resources, and general psychological health, using questionnaires and statistical analysis. It is suggested that dental health professionals and other dental staff (DCP) are in need of help to prevent burnout.

A recent development within burnout research is the shift to its conceptual opposite: work engagement. This study aimed to unravel the concepts of burnout and work engagement, and to determine their levels among dentists. A representative sample of 497 Dutch general dental practitioners was included (survey response rate of 59%), consisting of 372 men and 121 women (the gender of 4 dentists remained unknown). The hypothesized three-factor structure of work engagement (vigor, dedication, and absorption), as measured by the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), was substantiated among dentists. It was also found that work engagement was related negatively to burnout, as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). However, a model consisting of a reduced (‘core’) burnout factor and an ‘enhanced’ engagement factor (composed of the three original factors plus the burnout factor, personal accomplishment) showed the best fit. Overall burnout levels among dentists are low, and the levels of engagement indicate that dentists have a positive working attitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]