P. B. Ionov

Work ability and factors associated with its decrease in dentists providing medical aid to children in governmental children's dental polyclinics

I. P. PAVLOV FIRST SAINT-PETERSBURG STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, SAINT-PETERSBURG

High efficiency of a physician is an integral part of his successful professional activity. Evaluation of work ability in combination with working conditions, health status and quality of life of a specialist seems to be one of the important areas of occupational hygiene. The aim of the study was to evaluate the work ability of dentists who provide medical aid to children in St. Petersburg, and to identify factors associated with its decline. 120 dentists of various specializations were examined: 8 men and 112 women; average age — 47,2±11,3 years. Work ability was determined using the Work Ability Index (WAI); severity of professional burnout — according to the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The majority (68 %) of dentists working with children had an average (unsatisfactory) work ability; 21 % — good or excellent work ability; 11 % — low (threatening) work ability. According to the level of the current work ability and the work ability index, there were no differences between pediatric dentists, orthodontists and dental surgeons. Most dentists who work with children need restoration or maintenance of work ability. Reduced work ability was associated with high level of depersonalization and emotional exhaustion, as well as with age ?50 years.