Supplementary Material for: Burnout and Work Engagement Concerning Dental Malpractice Among Saudi Dentists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Dental malpractice is becoming an increasing concern in the healthcare sector. Dentistry is a highly stressful profession, and neglecting stress and burnout can harm patients, dentists, and the quality of their work. This study estimated the prevalence of dental malpractice, evaluated the association between burnout, work engagement, and dental malpractice, and identified other potential risk factors.

Methods: Between May 2023 and May 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 259 Saudi dentists working in public dental clinics in Jeddah. Dentists completed an online self-administered anonymous questionnaire that included four sections: sociodemographics and occupational characteristics, a previously valid and reliable Maslach Burnout Inventory, Areas of Worklife Survey, and self-reported dental malpractice questions. Data were analyzed using STATA 18, including descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis.

Results: Among the 259 responding Saudi dentists, 27% reported malpractice concerns, and 20.8% reported that they had a malpractice claim. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that dentists with high levels of depersonalization (OR=2.44, P=0.012) and low levels of community engagement (OR=2.92, P= 0.011) were more likely to have malpractice concerns. Additionally, dentists working in primary health care centers (OR=4.62, P≤0.001), dentists experiencing high emotional exhaustion (OR= 2.58, P=0.033), and those with low value engagement (OR= 2.99, P=0.017) were more likely to be involved in malpractice claims.

Conclusion: This study provides in-depth information on dentists' characteristics, burnout levels, work engagement levels, and their association with dental malpractice. Saudi dentists experience high emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment. In addition, various workplace factors have been associated with dental malpractice.