RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The nature and organization of dental practice is changing. The aim of this study was to explore how job satisfaction among dentists is associated with dental practice setting. METHODS: A survey measured satisfaction with income, benefits, hours worked, clinical autonomy, work-life balance, emotional exhaustion, and overall satisfaction among dentists working in large group, small group, and solo practice settings; 2,171 dentists responded. The authors used logistic regression to measure differences in reported levels of satisfaction across practice settings. RESULTS: Dentists working in small group settings reported the most satisfaction overall. Dentists working in large group settings reported more satisfaction with income and benefits than dentists in solo practice, as well as having the least stress. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest possible advantages and disadvantages of working in different types of practice settings. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists working in different practice settings reported differences in satisfaction. These results may help dentists decide which practice setting is best for them.
