Citation

McKenzie CT, Kent MP, Volero A. J. Dent. Educ. 2022; 86(12): 1620-1627.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, American Association of Dental Schools)

DOI

10.1002/jdd.13080

PMID

36017967

Abstract

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: This study explored key mental health measures as self-reported by pre-doctoral dental students enrolled in all four years of dental school and their relationships with a year in school and resilience.

METHODS: This study utilized archival data from the National Collegiate Health Assessment (NCHA) survey administered in Fall 2020. This instrument is a compilation of validated measures assessing a broad spectrum of health-related behaviors, including nutrition, substance use, social relationships, and mental health. The mental health measures explored in this study included validated scales assessing mental distress, suicide behavior risk, psychological well-being, and resilience.

RESULTS: Students in all 4 years of dental school completed the survey (62% response rate). Most students reported high resilience, positive psychological well-being, and moderate mental distress, with mental health challenges spiking in the D2 and D3 years. Resilience emerged as a protective factor for student mental health. Years in school did not retain a significant impact on mental health when controlling for resilience.

CONCLUSIONS: Resilience is important in bolstering dental students' mental health. Dental students' mental health challenges increased during the D2 and D3 years. Dental educators may positively influence student well-being by taking measures that foster resilience at the beginning of and midway through dental school.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; mental health; resilience; psychological distress; students; psychological; dental; *Mental Health; Students/psychology; *Resilience, Psychological; health occupations; Schools, Dental