Exploring burnout syndrome among new graduate dental professionals

Melanie Aley; Shamindri Gunasekera; John Paul Habib; Aynaz Hosaini; Jennifer Kim; Melanie Aley; Shamindri Gunasekera; John Paul Habib; Aynaz Hosaini; Jennifer Kim

doi:10.3934/jdms.2026002

Journal of Dentistry and Multidisciplinary Sciences

2026, Volume 2, Issue 1: 6-17. doi: 10.3934/jdms.2026002

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Research article

Exploring burnout syndrome among new graduate dental professionals

The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia

Received: 06 January 2026 Revised: 19 May 2026 Accepted: 26 May 2026 Published: 02 June 2026

Introduction
Dentistry's technical demands and relatively isolated working conditions contribute to stress and burnout syndrome, particularly among recent graduates. Burnout is characterised by emotional exhaustion, reduced personal accomplishment, and depersonalisation, yet limited research focuses specifically on early-career dental professionals. Our study aimed to explore experiences of burnout and associated coping strategies among dental professionals within five years of graduation who reported burnout symptoms.
Materials and methods
Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and interviewed using a semi-structured format until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using thematic analysis in accordance with the Kiger and Varpio International Association for Health Professions Education guide.
Results
Twelve participants described three interconnected themes: transition to work, burnout experiences, and coping strategies. Subthemes included mentoring, work–life balance, inexperience, isolation, negative emotions and behaviours, and mindset shifts. Disruption of work–life balance emerged as a common factor across all themes.
Conclusions
The transition from student to clinician appears to be a critical period for burnout risk among new dental graduates. Targeted support during this period, including formal and informal mentorship, may improve professional development and reduce burnout risk. Maintaining physical, mental, and social well-being also emerged as important for coping. Further research is needed to explore preventive strategies and identify other career stages vulnerable to burnout.
- burnout,
- new graduate,
- stress,
- mentoring,
- transition to practice
Citation: Melanie Aley, Shamindri Gunasekera, John Paul Habib, Aynaz Hosaini, Jennifer Kim. Exploring burnout syndrome among new graduate dental professionals[J]. Journal of Dentistry and Multidisciplinary Sciences, 2026, 2(1): 6-17. doi: 10.3934/jdms.2026002

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Abstract

Introduction

Dentistry's technical demands and relatively isolated working conditions contribute to stress and burnout syndrome, particularly among recent graduates. Burnout is characterised by emotional exhaustion, reduced personal accomplishment, and depersonalisation, yet limited research focuses specifically on early-career dental professionals. Our study aimed to explore experiences of burnout and associated coping strategies among dental professionals within five years of graduation who reported burnout symptoms.

Materials and methods

Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and interviewed using a semi-structured format until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using thematic analysis in accordance with the Kiger and Varpio International Association for Health Professions Education guide.

Results

Twelve participants described three interconnected themes: transition to work, burnout experiences, and coping strategies. Subthemes included mentoring, work–life balance, inexperience, isolation, negative emotions and behaviours, and mindset shifts. Disruption of work–life balance emerged as a common factor across all themes.

Conclusions

The transition from student to clinician appears to be a critical period for burnout risk among new dental graduates. Targeted support during this period, including formal and informal mentorship, may improve professional development and reduce burnout risk. Maintaining physical, mental, and social well-being also emerged as important for coping. Further research is needed to explore preventive strategies and identify other career stages vulnerable to burnout.

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