(PO-151) Investigating Burnout, Grit and Associated Factors in Dental Students

Author: Bridget McKeegan – University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Author: Tommy Waters – University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Author: Sarah G. Lowman, D.D.S. MPH – Dr. Sarah G Lowman, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Submitter: Tommy Waters – University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry

Objectives: The non-cognitive concept of grit has gained traction within the health professions literature as a possible correlate of success among trainees. However, grit is a relatively new concept within the oral health literature. Burnout, on the other hand, has been studied across the health professions and is implicated in negative outcomes for patients and clinicians alike. Furthermore, as many as one-third of dental students may experience burnout during their training. However, to our knowledge, the relationship between grit and burnout has not been explored in dental education. To fill this gap in the literature, our study aims to assess the prevalence of burnout among dental students in a Midwestern state while also exploring the relationship between grit and burnout among these students. We anticipate that results may inform future dental school admissions processes and comprehensive student wellness efforts.

Methods: This study utilizes the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Short Grit Scale to assess and quantify burnout and grit, respectively. Both instruments are validated assessments in their respective fields and have been used with health professional students. Demographic characteristics in the survey include age, race, marital status, student loan burden, history of stressful life events, and intention to specialize. Data will be collected securely and anonymously through a cross-sectional REDCap survey, and distributed electronically to all students attending public and private dental schools within a single Midwestern state (n=680).

Expected Results/

Conclusion: To our knowledge, this will be the first study in the nation to report results related to burnout for first- and second-year dental students, as students in all four grade levels (D1-D4) are included in the sample. We hypothesize that students with lower grit scores are more likely to experience burnout, paralleling findings in the medical literature.