Job Satisfaction And Stress Among Dental Faculty Members: A Mixed-Method Approach

Objectives The study aimed to assess job satisfaction and stress among dental faculty members. It was also planned to explore their experiences and probable solutions through a mixed-method approach. Methods Sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was employed. In the quantitative phase, a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among dental faculty members in Tamil Nadu, India using the "Google Forms application" link. Based on Dentist Satisfaction Survey, a questionnaire was framed, validated, and used. It included 25 items under four domains (PICS): personal, institutional, cofaculty, and students. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the differences between two independent groups. Kruskal-Wallis test and Friedman test were used for multiple group comparisons. In the qualitative phase one-on-one, semistructured telephone interviews were conducted among 27 dental faculties from various sectors. Result A total of 408 participants took part in the quantitative survey. The students-related domain was found to be the most dissatisfied or stressful domain (2.05 +/- 0.3) among dental faculties followed by the institutional domain (1.92 +/- 0.4) and cofaculty-related domain (1.81 +/- 0.6). Based on qualitative interviews, four themes were derived namely (1) academia as a profession, (2) potential stressors, (3) sequelae of stress, and (4) stress-free job. Conclusion The present study provided deep insight into the stress among dental faculty members and emphasized the need for student-faculty mentor programs. It also stressed the importance of organized monetary structures or pay scales in private dental institutions in India.