Experience of workplace bullying behaviours in postgraduate hospital dentists: questionnaire survey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of bullying and experience of bullying behaviours among postgraduate hospital dentists.


METHODS
Questionnaire survey.


METHODS
The study was conducted among a sample of dentally qualified trainees within the UK's Hospital Dental Service.


METHODS
Two hundred and twenty-seven postgraduate hospital dentists were sent an anonymous questionnaire by the dental deans of participating deaneries.


METHODS
Prevalence of bullying and prevalence of experience of bullying behaviours; differences in experience of bullying and bullying behaviours by gender and ethnic group.


RESULTS
One hundred and thirty-six hospital dentists returned the questionnaire, a response rate of 60%. Thirty-four (25%) identified themselves as victims of bullying, and 63 (47%) had witnessed their colleagues being bullied. Irrespective of whether or not they labelled themselves as victims of bullying, in the previous year 82 (60%) dentists had experienced one or more of the bullying behaviours included in the checklist. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in experience of bullying behaviours by gender or ethnic group though non-white participants were significantly more likely than white participants to have experienced four of the bullying behaviours.


CONCLUSIONS
Rates of bullying and experience of bullying behaviours among postgraduate hospital dentists were consistent with those reported in other NHS settings.
Applied Social Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, CT1 1QU. liz.steadman@canterbury.ac.uk
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Waumsley
D000374:Aggression; D003798:Dental Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D004291:Dominance-Subordination; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013218:State Dentistry / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*