An Analysis of the Psychological Well-being and Perspectives of Dental Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on dental students’ education and psychological status. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was prepared and distributed to dental students and interns from two dental schools in Jordan. The psychological status of students was measured using the short-form version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). Results: Of the 332 dental students surveyed, 230 (69.3%) were female. Approximately two-thirds of students expressed interest in receiving more guidance on COVID-19, while more than half (58%) were dissatisfied with the support offered by their schools during the pandemic. On a scale from 0-10, students reported a high potential influence of COVID-19 outbreak on dental practice in the short term (mean 8.9 ± 1.7), but a reduced impact in the long term (6.9 ± 2.3). Participants showed moderate levels of depression (mean 19.0 ± 12.2), anxiety (mean 10.4 ± 9.9), and stress (mean 19.6 ± 12.4), and these scores were significantly higher in females. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial psychological impact on dental students and the education process. Dental and healthcare educational institutions need more preparation to provide the required psychological support, information, and training to their students.