Dental trainees’ mental health changes, sources of stress, coping strategies, and suggestions for mental health improvement 1 year into the pandemic

Abstract

Objectives The goal of this study was to assess how the mental health of dental trainees has changed during the pandemic and to identify the most stressful aspects of trainees’ programs, stress coping strategies, and suggestions for individual and institution‐driven solutions to improve wellness. Methods The study focused on dental trainees at the University of Washington who completed a wellness survey in fall 2020 (n = 126; response rate = 35.5%) and spring 2021 (n = 105; response rate = 29.6%). The survey included self‐report measures assessing four mental health outcomes: depression, anxiety, isolation from peers, and burnout. Stressful aspects of the training program, coping strategies, and institution‐driven solutions were measured with open‐ended survey items. The chi‐square test was used to compare mental health outcome measures between fall and spring and open‐ended survey responses were inductively coded. Results The prevalence of self‐reported depression and anxiety did not change between fall 2020 and spring 2021 (17.2% vs. 21.1%, p = 0.473; 22.4% vs. 23.7%, p = 0.818). Isolation from peers and burnout each significantly increased by almost 20% from fall 2020 to spring 2021 (46.8% vs. 64.3%; p = 0.009 and 26.6% vs. 43.9%; p = 0.017). Trainees identified workload as the most stressful aspect of their program and described using exercise and social support to cope with stress. Trainees suggested institution‐supported increases in social events and mental health resources. Conclusions One year into the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, poor mental health outcomes were common among dental trainees because of high workload and isolation from peers. Dental schools should promote targeted programs and services aimed at improving dental trainees' well‐being.

Dental and dental hygienist trainee satisfaction with their veterans affairs clinical training experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Research has continued to demonstrate the harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trainees’ personal and mental well-being ( 6 – 7 , 11 – 13 ) across both differing dental educational levels (e.g., dental students and post-doctoral residents) and different dental programs (e.g., general practice, oral and maxillofacial surgery, dental hygiene). Dental trainees not only reported concerns regarding emotional health [ 12 ] but also suggested that their institutions should do more to address their mental well-being [ 11 ]. Nonetheless, less than 75% of programs offered options for stress reduction for residents during the pandemic (e.g., mindfulness seminars and yoga) [ 7 ].…”

“…Nonetheless, less than 75% of programs offered options for stress reduction for residents during the pandemic (e.g., mindfulness seminars and yoga) [ 7 ]. Research has also found increased burnout following the COVID-19 pandemic [ 11 ]. Furthermore, those closer to graduation and those whose graduation plans changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic reported more anxiety compared to those without such circumstances [ 6 ].…”