A cross‐sectional study investigating mental health and resilience among pre‐doctoral students at a US dental school
Carly Timmons McKenzie, Mallory Peyton Kent, Amy Volero
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.