BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Many studies investigated the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety among dentists. This systematic review aimed to determine: (i) the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms, (ii) the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (iii) gender difference in prevalence of depression and anxiety among dentists.

METHODS

Eligible articles on depression and anxiety in dentists were systematically searched for in PubMed and Scopus databases from September 2023 to October 2023 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis protocol. We assessed the methodological quality of the studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment checklist adapted for cross-sectional studies. Statistical heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using Cochran's test and statistic. The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety were calculated using the random-effect model with the Restricted Maximum-Likelihood estimator. Of 3762 searched articles, 33 articles were analyzed.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of depression and anxiety symptoms among dentists were 42% and 44%, respectively. The prevalence rates of mild, moderate, and severe or extremely severe depression were 20%, 18%, and 8%, respectively. For mild, moderate, and severe or extremely severe anxiety, the respective prevalence rates were 21%, 18%, and 11%. We did not find evidence to suggest differences in depression or anxiety prevalence rates between the periods before and during COVID-19. In comparison with men, women showed approximately 27% higher risk of experiencing depression and 24% higher risk of experiencing anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Equally high levels of depression and anxiety in dentists were found both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant percentage of moderate to severe depression and anxiety. Female dentists reported a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms than their male colleagues.