Relationship between Level of Stress Experienced by Dental Students during Endodontic Treatment and Their Coping Strategies

Background and Aim: Dentistry is among the most stressful professions. Dentists’ occupational stress usually begins during their university education. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the level of stress experienced by dental students during endodontic treatment and their coping strategies. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 204 fifth and sixth year dental students of Isfahan Islamic Azad University and Dental School of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The questionnaires used included 29 questions regarding level of stress experienced during endodontic treatment along with a coping strategies questionnaire, which were filled out by self-reporting. Data were analyzed using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results: Among effective coping mechanisms, only conflict and ambiguity were negatively correlated with overall stress (P=0.002). Among ineffective coping mechanisms, anxiety, workload, conflict and ambiguity were significantly correlated with overall stress (P=0.001). Conclusion: Coping mechanisms are directly correlated with level of stress of students such that effective coping mechanisms decrease stress. Male dental students experience higher level of stress due to ineffective coping mechanisms.