(PO-078) Building Resilience in Dental Students: A Novel Biopsychosocial Curriculum

Author: Sharon C. Siegel, D.D.S. – Professor and Chair, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Author: Uma Kandalam, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Author: Ronnie Newman, Ed.M, CAS – Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Author: Shyam Gannavaram, Ph.D. – Dr., Nova Southeastern University, College of Dental Medicine
Author: Nydia Cummings, Ph.D. – Director/Associate Professor, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
Submitter: Sharon C. Siegel, D.D.S. – Professor and Chair, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine

Objectives: The SKY^TM Breath Happiness course (SBHP) incorporates an evidence-based well-being practice for overcoming stress and anxiety. SBHP was presented as a 10-hour, elective spread over 4 sessions, with optional daily home practice of 10-25 minutes. This research investigated the effectiveness of SBHP on the stress-management, and resilience building for first year dental students (D1s).

Methods: The study was initiated in accordance with NSU IRB guidelines 2021-334-NSU with an exempt status. An informed consent was obtained from participants enrolled in the course (N=15; intervention group).Non-enrolled D1s (n=103; control group) read a waived consent (but not of process). An online anonymous pre-course survey using REDcap was conducted, with enrolled and non-enrolled D1s completing four standardized measures 1). Perceived Stress Scale; 2). PANAS Positive and Negative Affect Schedule; 3). Social Connectedness Scale; 4) Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. The same survey will be conducted eight weeks post-course (i.e after the mid-term exams). The data on pre-survey responses were collected. Pre- and post-survey results will be measured and evaluated using descriptive statistics for all study variables. To evaluate differences between the groups, a student’s t-test will be conducted. A priori value< 0.05 was selected for significance.

Results: The data will be presented in Mean±SD. Fifteen students enrolled in the course, completed the SBHP course and the pre-course survey and 103 non-enrollees (controls) completed the pre-course survey (91% class participation or 118/130). The pre-survey results of all four measures are being analyzed and will be compared to the post course survey by the time of poster presentation.

Findings/Conclusion: There was a 91% class participation in the survey measures. Mental well-being data of D1s entering one dental school will be assessed. Post-intervention data will be compared to the controls and available at the time of poster presentation to assess the effectiveness of the SBHP program.