Assessment of job satisfaction and working conditions of Nigerian oral health workers

Abstract

To assess the job satisfaction and working conditions of dentist and dental auxiliaries working in Southern Nigeria. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of dental professionals working in Oral healthcare centres of University Teaching hospitals in Southern Nigeria was conducted. Results: The survey response rate is 82.3%. The respondents were dentist (59.7%), dental nurse (15.3%), dental therapist (9.0 %,) dental technologist (13.2%) and dental record officers (2.8%). Seven-tenth (70.1%) of the respondents expressed satisfaction and fulfillment in their career as Oral healthcare worker. Sixty-five respondents (45.1%) would like one of their children to take up their profession. Only 32% agreed that they have the necessary facilities and equipment to perform their work successfully. Less than half (46.5%) felt that that their work area is comfortable enough for them to do their best. Only 29.2% agreed that their salary was enough to cater for their personal and family needs. Dental auxiliaries were more satisfied than dentists (p=0.004). Job satisfaction was influenced by ethnicity and geographical location (p<0.05). About two-third of the respondents (31.9%) had thought about leaving their profession in the last 12 months with two-third of them being dentists. Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that job satisfaction among Oral healthcare workers particularly the dentist should be taken seriously if marked improvement of oral healthcare delivery is desired.