Burnout among dental professionals in Pakistan: a post-COVID mixed-methods study of prevalence, predictors, and challenges

INTRODUCTION: Burnout among dental professionals is a significant mental health concern that affects learning, teaching, and patient care. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified existing stressors, yet little is known about how dental graduates, trainees, and faculty have adapted in the post-pandemic period, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of burnout among dental professionals and explored their perceptions of post-COVID challenges and coping strategies. METHODS: October 2025. A total of 384 participants completed the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and responded to open-ended questions on post-COVID job and career challenges. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, including reliability testing, factor and regression analyses, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. RESULTS: The overall Cronbach's α for the CBI was 0.87, indicating good reliability. The mean total burnout score was 49.1 (SD = 13.68). Personal burnout was the most prevalent form across all groups, with graduates reporting higher client-related burnout than faculty and postgraduate trainees. Regression analysis revealed that job title was the only significant predictor of burnout (β = .21, p = .001), while gender, year of graduation, experience, and job sector were not significant. Thematic analysis (n = 82 qualitative responses) identified four main themes: opportunities (digital literacy and tele-dentistry), challenges (workload and emotional strain), skill adaptation (continuous learning and remote communication), and career impact (instability and limited opportunities). CONCLUSION: Burnout remains a significant post-COVID challenge among dental professionals, with personal and client-related dimensions being particularly prominent. Role-specific demands, rather than demographic factors, appear to drive burnout, highlighting the need for targeted institutional support for early-career dental professionals.