A qualitative study of work-life balance amongst specialist orthodontists in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors affecting work-life balance amongst male and female orthodontists in the UK.

DESIGN: A qualitative interview-based study with a cross-sectional design.

SUBJECTS: Specialist orthodontists working in specialist practice and the hospital service in the UK were selected by purposive sampling.

METHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 orthodontic specialists. Interview transcripts were analyzed using Framework Analysis.

RESULTS: Four main themes pertaining to work-life balance in orthodontics were identified: work factors affecting work-life balance, life factors affecting work-life balance, perception and effects of work-life balance and suggestions for managing work-life balance within the profession.

CONCLUSIONS: There was substantial variation in the work-life balance of the orthodontists interviewed in this study; however the majority reported high levels of career satisfaction despite difficulties maintaining a good work-life balance. Whilst there were some clear distinctions in the factors affecting work-life balance between the hospital environment and specialist practice (including additional professional commitments and teaching/training-related issues), there were also a number of similarities. These included, the lack of flexibility in the working day, managing patient expectations, taking time off work at short notice and the ability to work part-time.