Abstract

BHAT, S  and  NYATHI, N. Perceptions of stress among dentists: an investigation of stress management among dental practitioners in South Africa. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2019, vol.74, n.2, pp.55-61. ISSN 0375-1562.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2019/v74no2a1.

INTRODUCTION: Stress among dentists has been well documented in international research papers, with many reporting high levels. However, there is insufficient information on perceived stress among South African dentists AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to investigate the level of stress among South African dentists in general, to identify high occupational stressors and the choices of stress-relieving mechanisms by the dentists. METHOD: An anonymous online cross-sectional questionnaire was undertaken using non-probability sampling, and was distributed via social media and e-mail. The questionnaire was divided into four parts: demographic information; Work Stress Inventory for Dentists (WSID); Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); and finally, a checklist of the stress- relieving coping mechanisms commonly used RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between general stress and all the work-related factors. 44%-56% of dentists identified 'being perceived as an inflictor of pain'; 'coping with difficult' and 'uncooperative patients' as major (high/great deal of stress) work stressors RESULTS: This study found that most of the dental participants were highly stressed. Since many participants indicated patient-relations as being highly stressful it is recommended that ways be sought to improve dentist patient relationship which may help with how dentists appraise situations at work as stressful

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