COVID-19’s Psychosocial Impact on American and Canadian Dental Students

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected dental education, contributing to adverse psychological outcomes, especially among dental students. In this cross-sectional study, the psychosocial state of American and Canadian dental students was explored, with special emphasis on affective, behavioral, and cognitive well-being, during and after the initial lockdown.

Methods: Dental students were invited to participate in an online survey. The questions evaluated the pandemic’s effect on affective, behavioral, and cognitive responses, and learning experiences.

Results: A total of 287 dental students completed the online survey. Sadness and anticipation were the strongest emotions experienced during and following the lockdown. Student worries were classified into external and internal stressors. Females demonstrated higher fear, students from larger dental schools held higher emotions of anticipation and disgust. American students held higher anticipation scores both during and following the lockdown. Canadian, third and fourth years, and students from small dental schools were more aware of which authority to contact if their patient, who presented for care, was suspected of COVID-19 infection which emphasizes the need for a preparedness protocol.

Conclusions: More studies that explore the broader scope of psychological aspects are necessary. Monitoring and developing treatment strategies for emergent mental conditions among dental students is extremely important in pandemic crisis management. The study highlights the need for development of standardized protocols and pandemic related health education topics as well as psychological interventions to better prepare dental students globally during the time of crisis.