Professional quality of life of Norwegian oral health professionals: a national study

Abstract

Aims Working with vulnerable or traumatised patients can place additional emotional demands and strain on clinicians. This study examined the professional quality of life in Norwegian oral health professionals (n = 984). Methods An electronic survey was distributed via email to oral health professionals in public and private dental services. Self-report measures assessing secondary traumatic stress, burnout, compassion satisfaction, and psychosocial factors in the workplace, along with demographic characteristics, were collected. Results More than half of the participants reported working with vulnerable patients, indicating that such encounters are a routine aspect of clinical care. Most respondents reported moderate levels of burnout and compassion satisfaction and low levels of secondary traumatic stress. Conclusions Psychosocial work factors, such as work-life balance and social support, contribute more to occupational strain than the challenges of working with vulnerable or traumatised patients. This highlights the importance of strengthening workplace conditions and support to reduce strain and promote sustainable practice.