Gender differences in burnout among Dutch dentists.
OBJECTIVE
Differences between the sexes in the manifestation of burnout have been reported for different occupational groups. Although some gender-specific explanations for this finding have been forwarded, there is a paucity of studies in which the relation with other work-related gender differences is examined. The objective of this study was to analyze gender differences in burnout among dentists and to identify possible concomitant factors.


METHODS
Male (n = 411) and female (n = 81) Dutch dentists filled out the Dutch version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) together with several health and work-related questionnaires.


RESULTS
Results showed male dentists to report a higher score on the depersonalization dimension of the MBI than did female dentists. No gender differences were found on the other dimensions (i.e. emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment). Moreover, no gender-related differences in experienced work-stress or health-related aspects were found. It was found, however, that male dentists put in working hours and see more patients per week when compared to female dentists. Also, a difference in mean age was found. Our main finding was that the difference in depersonalization disappears when controlling for working hours and age.


CONCLUSIONS
Gender differences in burnout among dentists do exist. However, our results indicate that underlying factors, such as working hours, have a profound effect on these differences. These results can have direct practical consequences, for instance, in distinguishing between groups concerning the way burnout scores should be interpreted.
te Brake
Hans
H
Department of Social Dentistry and Dental Health Education, Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), The Netherlands. H.te.Brake@acta.nl
Bloemendal
Evelien
E
Hoogstraten
Johan
J
D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000523:psychology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009426:Netherlands; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D010361:Patients; D011364:Professional Practice; D012737:Sex Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors