Orthodontic occupational stress survey among Indian orthodontists- A cross- sectional study

• Author Details:   
• Sonia Chauhan ^*

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Aim: Aim of this study was to appraise the different aspect of orthodontic practice which causes stress among orthodontists practising in India.

Materials and Methods: The data was collected over a period of 3 months using Orthodontic Occupational Stress Questionnaire which was created using google form format. The form was circulated using  whatsapp among the orthodontists practising in India. Data was collected and coded in using Excel sheet and analysed using SPSS version 21.

Results: A total of 103 responses were received of which 67% were male and 33% were female. For 53.4 %  of the orthodontists the most stressful aspect of orthodontic practice was relapse in patient on retention after orthodontic treatment is over. The second stressful condition was when patient fails to comply with the treatment instructions. The third area of concern  was when patient comes with a broken appliance and orthodontists has to repair or remake the appliance or refix the attachment which costs them their time, energy and resources. The fourth conditions which stresses out orthodontists was constant request by the patients to remove the appliance/ braces before the orthodontic  treatment was over.  Missing the appointment or being late for the scheduled appointmet annoys the orthodontists who already are struggling to keep up the schedule. Sixth most concerning factor was poor oral hygiene despite repeated instructions among their patients which alters the future course of treatment.

Conclusion: The most stressful situation according to orthodontists practising in India was to see relapse in patients on retention after orthodontic treatment is over which highlights the concern of case selection by the orthodontists.

Keyword: Orthodontists, Occupational Stress, Factors, India