Assistant Clinical Professor Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Presenter: Samar Shaikh, BDS, MS – Assistant Clinical Professor, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Author: Michaela Tarnowicz, D.M.D. Candidate – DMD candidate, University of New England College of Dental Medicine Author: Mohamed ElSalhy, B.D.M., M.Sc., M.P.H., Ph.D. – Assistant Professor, University of New England College of Dental Medicine Submitter: Samar Shaikh, BDS, MS – Assistant Clinical Professor, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health status of dental students
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health status of dental students. Method: Dental students participated in this single-center cross-sectional study by completing an online survey. The survey included questions on students’ demographics, mental health status, and perceived sources of dental school-related stress. Responses were recorded on a Likert scale. The impact of different stressors on student’s mental health was evaluated using multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 170 students completed the survey (67.2% response rate). Participants were 54% female, 81% were less than 30 years old, and 38.8% were single. The mean mental health score was 2.94 (0.50), with no significant difference according to age, gender, year, or marital status (p >0.05). The mean self-efficacy stress score for all participants was 1.95 (0.49). Senior students had significantly higher self-efficacy related stress compared to junior students (p < 0.05), with no difference according to students' age, gender, or marital status (p >0.05). The remote learning mean score was 1.82 (0.41) with no difference according to student’s age, gender, year, or marital status (p >0.05). The mean workload, clinical training, and social stressor scores were 1.77 (0.54), 2.19 (0.42), and 1.89 (0.55), respectively. The workload scores were significantly higher among D1 students compared to other years ( p< 0.05). After adjusting for age, gender and year, self-efficacy and social stressors were the only predictors for students’ mental health. Conclusions: Dental students are experiencing high levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources to assist students in navigating their dental education and maintaining their mental health are needed.
