An Exploratory Study of Perfectionism, Professional Factors and Psychological Wellbeing of Dentistry Academics.

Background Wellbeing may be lower among dentistry professionals than other health professionals, and differ by personal, professional, and sociodemographic factors. Few studies considered dentistry academics who have different work roles and functions than clinicians. This exploratory study focused on wellbeing among dentistry academics and aimed to explore associations with perfectionism, professional factors and sociodemographics. Method An online survey was conducted with academic staff in Dentistry and Oral Health departments of nine Universities in Australia and New Zealand. Wellbeing was assessed using the 22-item Psychological General Well-Being Index, with a maximum score of 110 indicating good wellbeing. Perfectionism was assessed using the 8-item Short Almost Perfect Scale, with a maximum score of 56, and a higher score indicating perfectionism. 20 items were used to assess professional and 7 items assessed sociodemographic factors. Associations were explored using correlation and multiple linear regression. Results There was no significant bivariate association between perfectionism and wellbeing. Multiple linear regression indicated a significant association between hours of undergraduate teaching and psychological wellbeing, after adjustment for age, gender, income, and overall health. Conclusion This exploratory study demonstrated poor wellbeing among dentistry academics, particularly in those teaching undergraduate students for more than six hours/week.