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Final Thesis Jamie Bishop.pdf (461.38 KB)

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The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Job Satisfaction of Dental Hygienists and their Intention to Leave Practice

Bishop, Jamie Leigh
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4997-4407
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1658344965125941

Abstract Details

2022, Master of Dental Hygiene, Ohio State University, Dental Hygiene.
Background: Job stress and demand can lead to physical and psychological distress, poor job satisfaction, and burnout. Additionally, these factors may sway dental hygienists to leave the field of dental hygiene. Little research has been done to address how these factors influenced job satisfaction of dental hygienists during the Covid-19 Pandemic and influenced their intention to leave clinical practice. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine if the Covid-19 pandemic has affected job satisfaction and the intention of dental hygienists to leave clinical practice. Also, to determine which factors directly influence and predict job satisfaction and intention to leave this profession. Methods: A survey was distributed through social media to a convenience sample of dental hygienists (n=397). The survey consisted of the four subscales of the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, 9 demographic, and 5 questions relating to intention to leave practice. Results: Job stressors, such as quantitative job overload, whether a job is suitable to an individual, intrinsic reward, and poor physical environment as well as, psychological distress factors, such as anger and depression were significant predictors of job satisfaction of dental hygienists working during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study determined that only intrinsic reward was a significant predictor variable of intention to leave practice. Survey respondents indicated that burnout, work environment, and physical discomfort were the primary reasons they planned to reduce clinical workload or leave the clinical dental hygiene field. Discussion: Past research and current trends compared to the results of this study should be considered when determining best practice for employers. Given the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on dentistry and a shortage of practicing dental hygienists looming nationwide, understanding what factors impact retention of existing employees and the ability to attract new hires is essential. Limitations to this study include use of a convenience sample via social media, sample size, factors studied, exclusion of dental hygiene work hours, timing of the study, and subjective responses. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate what job stressors and psychological distress factors dental hygienists practicing during the Covid-19 pandemic experienced and how they influenced their decision to work in the clinical setting. Moving forward, employers could use this information to mitigate any concerns, fears, and stress that their employees are experiencing to increase job satisfaction and decrease turnover.
Rachel Kearney (Advisor)
Janice Townsend (Committee Member)
Rebecca Henderson (Committee Member)
65 p.
Dentistry
"Dental Hygiene; job satisfaction; Intention to leave practice; job stress"

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bishop, J. L. (2022). The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Job Satisfaction of Dental Hygienists and their Intention to Leave Practice [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1658344965125941

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bishop, Jamie. The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Job Satisfaction of Dental Hygienists and their Intention to Leave Practice . 2022. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1658344965125941.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bishop, Jamie. "The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Job Satisfaction of Dental Hygienists and their Intention to Leave Practice ." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1658344965125941

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1658344965125941
138
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.