Burnout among dental professionals in Pakistan: a post-COVID mixed-methods study of prevalence, predictors, and challenges.

INTRODUCTION

Burnout among dental professionals is a significant mental health concern that affects learning, teaching, and patient care. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified existing stressors, yet little is known about how dental graduates, trainees, and faculty have adapted in the post-pandemic period, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of burnout among dental professionals and explored their perceptions of post-COVID challenges and coping strategies.

METHODS

A mixed-methods study was conducted at the Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan, from April 2024 to 3rd October 2025. A total of 384 participants completed the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and responded to open-ended questions on post-COVID job and career challenges. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, including reliability testing, factor and regression analyses, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The overall Cronbach's α for the CBI was 0.87, indicating good reliability. The mean total burnout score was 49.1 (SD = 13.68). Personal burnout was the most prevalent form across all groups, with graduates reporting higher client-related burnout than faculty and postgraduate trainees. Regression analysis revealed that job title was the only significant predictor of burnout (β = .21, p = .001), while gender, year of graduation, experience, and job sector were not significant. Thematic analysis (n = 82 qualitative responses) identified four main themes: opportunities (digital literacy and tele-dentistry), challenges (workload and emotional strain), skill adaptation (continuous learning and remote communication), and career impact (instability and limited opportunities).

CONCLUSION

Burnout remains a significant post-COVID challenge among dental professionals, with personal and client-related dimensions being particularly prominent. Role-specific demands, rather than demographic factors, appear to drive burnout, highlighting the need for targeted institutional support for early-career dental professionals.