title: A qualitative study of work-life balance amongst specialist orthodontists in the United Kingdom.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify factors affecting work-life balance amongst male and female orthodontists in the UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative interview-based study with a cross-sectional design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Specialist orthodontists working in specialist practice and the hospital service in the UK were selected by purposive sampling.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 orthodontic specialists. Interview transcripts were analyzed using Framework Analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four main themes pertaining to work-life balance in orthodontics were identified: work factors affecting work-life balance, life factors affecting work-life balance, perception and effects of work-life balance and suggestions for managing work-life balance within the profession.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was substantial variation in the work-life balance of the orthodontists interviewed in this study; however the majority reported high levels of career satisfaction despite difficulties maintaining a good work-life balance. Whilst there were some clear distinctions in the factors affecting work-life balance between the hospital environment and specialist practice (including additional professional commitments and teaching/training-related issues), there were also a number of similarities. These included, the lack of flexibility in the working day, managing patient expectations, taking time off work at short notice and the ability to work part-time.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthodontics , Eastman Dental Hospital, UCLH Foundation Trust , 256 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD , UK.
authors.forename: Lindsey E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Bateman
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthodontics , Eastman Dental Hospital, UCLH Foundation Trust , 256 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD , UK.
authors.forename: Joanne M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.affiliation: b Department of Orthodontics , UCL Eastman Dental Institute , 256 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD , UK.
authors.forename: Susan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Cunningham
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009970:Orthodontics; D000066792:Orthodontists; D006113:United Kingdom; D000072358:Work-Life Balance
keywords: Career satisfaction; occupational stress; orthodontics; work-life balance