Prevalence and Incidence of Stress Among UK Dental Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

Dental professionals experience stress daily due to the nature of the excessively demanding working environment in addition to the trust laid upon them by the public. This review aims to evaluate the available evidence on the prevalence and incidence of stress in UK dental students. The paper critically assesses current evidence, shedding light on mental health issues faced by dental healthcare workers.

METHODS

The paper followed PRISMA guidelines and was preregistered on PROSPERO, CRD42024482310. Several databases were searched including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies included involved cohort and cross-sectional studies. The primary outcomes were the prevalence and incidence of stress in UK dental students. Additionally, sources of stress and coping strategies were considered as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Nine studies out of 2986 screened were included with a sample size of 1447. The pooled prevalence of stress was in 596/1198 (pooled prevalence = 0.498 95% confidence intervals = 0.466-0.530). The incidence rate is estimated to be 5% per year. Sources of stress were found to be examinations, grades, and fear of failing. Coping techniques were hobbies, and emotional support, in addition to maladaptive behaviours.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of the papers suggest that dental professionals experience extreme levels of stress. While acknowledging the results, this review also underscores the need for further comprehensive research to fully evaluate the burden of stress on dentists. It also shows the importance of incorporating stress management in dental education.