Personality types of pediatric dentists: comparative analysis and associated factors.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the personality types of pediatric dentists and associated variables.

Methods: A survey containing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and demographic and practice questions was mailed to 500 pediatric dentists.

Results: The responding 214 pediatric dentists preferred sensing over intuition, feeling over thinking and judging over perceiving. The distribution of the pediatric dentists' 16 personality types differed significantly from other dental specialists, general dentists, and pediatricians as well as the general population. Pediatric dentists were significantly more likely to prefer: sensing when compared to pediatricians; feeling when compared to dental specialists, general dentists, and pediatricians; and judging when compared to pediatricians and the general population. Pediatric dentists who preferred sensing were more likely to spend a greater portion of their time in clinical care than those who preferred intuition. Ninety-seven percent of those responding were very satisfied or satisfied with their profession. Those who were very satisfied were more likely to prefer extraversion, be over 46-years-old, and practice in a non-solo setting.

Conclusions: The personalities of pediatric dentists differ from other dentists and pediatricians as well as the general population and are associated with some demographic and practice factors.