Key determinants of health and wellbeing of dental nurses: a rapid review of over two decades of research

Abstract

Abstract Aim To review the literature on the key determinants of health and well-being amongst dental nurses. Method Rapid review of the literature using Kangura’s approach across seven health and social science databases through OVID and the Cochrane Library, professional and health system databases. This approach was informed by past research done on other dental professionals. There was a two-stage review process where records were screened by the primary researcher with a second researcher independently reviewing 10% of the papers according to agreed inclusion and exclusion criteria by title, abstract and full text. Data extraction and qualitative synthesis of the included studies were done and quality assessment for risk of bias was made using a Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results Out of 4,450 identified papers, 44 underwent full-text screening and 37 studies were included in the analysis. Four were of high quality, thirteen moderate-high, fourteen moderate-low and six low-quality studies. The overall well-being of dental nurses was good, and the determinants influencing well-being were grouped into micro-meso- and macro-level factors with evidence across the three domains. The determinant with the most evidence was workplace characteristics. Dental nurses with extended duties had higher job satisfaction. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increase in anxiety, stress, burnout, and isolation among dental nurses. Conclusion The body of research indicates that dental nurses' health and well-being determinants are comparable to those of other dental professionals. Nurses in different countries had similar determinants. It is important to recognise and improve the determinants that affect their health and well-being to prevent burnout and exodus from the profession. There should be organisational and policy changes to help improve the well-being of dental nurses. Further investigation into dental nurses with longitudinal studies is needed.