# Professional quality of life among Norwegian oral health professionals working with torture and abuse survivors and patients with severe dental anxiety

## TL;DR

This study examines the professional quality of life among Norwegian oral health professionals working with traumatized patients and finds that work environment factors significantly impact their well-being.

## Contribution

The study highlights the influence of psychosocial work factors on occupational strain in oral health professionals.

## Key findings

- Participants reported moderate levels of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction.
- Poor work-life balance was linked to lower compassion satisfaction and higher stress and burnout.
- Support in the workplace was associated with better outcomes for all three dimensions of professional quality of life.

## Abstract

To investigate the level of burnout (BO), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and compassion satisfaction (CS) among Norwegian oral health professionals who work with traumatized and vulnerable patients.

Professional Quality of Life-5 was used to assess BO, STS, and CS. Organizational and psychosocial work factors were measured with the Nordic Questionnaire for Psychological and Social Factors at Work.

Participants (n = 114) reported moderate levels across all three dimensions, with 62.6% scoring in the moderate range for STS, 47.4% for BO, and 38.6% for CS. Poor work-life balance was associated with lower levels of CS and higher levels of STS and BO. Support was associated with positive outcomes of BO, STS, and CS.

Psychosocial factors within the work environment contribute more to occupational strain than the direct challenges of working with traumatized or vulnerable patients. Involving oral health professionals in wider conversations about supporting those who care for vulnerable populations is paramount. Addressing organizational conditions alongside individual support is important to promote well-being.