Curriculum Setting and Pre-Clinical Dental Students’ Stress Level

Co-Authors

- Susan Hillman, PhD, Professor and Director, Center for the Enrichment of Teaching and Learning, University of New England

- Priya Katwala, Second year dental student, University of New England College of Dental Medicine

- Nicholas Guy, Second year dental student, University of New England College of Dental Medicine

- Swati Krishna Kulkarni, Second year dental student, University of New England College of Dental Medicine

- Salome Zangaladze, Second year dental student, University of New England College of Dental Medicine

- Aleksandra Zak, Second year dental student, University of New England College of Dental Medicine

- Isaac Stickney, Educational Support Coordinator, University of New England College of Dental Medicine

Track

Research Project / Academic/Professional Development

Abstract

As part of University of New England (UNE) health professions education, College of Dental Medicine (CDM) involves a rigorous didactic and clinical course load, especially in pre-clinical stage. The purpose of this study is to measure the anxiety level of the first and second year dental students attending UNE-CDM to determine if there is a relationship between stress level and particular semesters in the first two years of curriculum. Furthermore, whether there are sociodemographic factors that may also impact level of stress.

This proposed cross-sectional study (Works in Progress) will be performed during the Fall and Spring semesters in 2015-2016 academic year. 64 first-year and 63 second-year UNE-CDM students will be asked to complete an anonymous 27-question survey regarding demographic characteristics and levels (0-3) of curriculum related stress as “0-not stressful”; “1-slightly stressful”; “2-moderately stressful”; and “3-very stressful”. Data will be statistically analyzed using the SPSS software.

The results of this study will provide insight into curriculum related stress of pre-clinical dental students, which would guide dental school’s curricular changes to help alleviate particularly stressful semesters. Furthermore, the outcome of this project will also advise necessary preventive support for balancing students’ lives and intense course load.

Session Format

Poster Session

Location

Room 113

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Mar 31st, 4:00 PM Mar 31st, 5:00 PM

Curriculum Setting and Pre-Clinical Dental Students’ Stress Level

Room 113

As part of University of New England (UNE) health professions education, College of Dental Medicine (CDM) involves a rigorous didactic and clinical course load, especially in pre-clinical stage. The purpose of this study is to measure the anxiety level of the first and second year dental students attending UNE-CDM to determine if there is a relationship between stress level and particular semesters in the first two years of curriculum. Furthermore, whether there are sociodemographic factors that may also impact level of stress.

This proposed cross-sectional study (Works in Progress) will be performed during the Fall and Spring semesters in 2015-2016 academic year. 64 first-year and 63 second-year UNE-CDM students will be asked to complete an anonymous 27-question survey regarding demographic characteristics and levels (0-3) of curriculum related stress as “0-not stressful”; “1-slightly stressful”; “2-moderately stressful”; and “3-very stressful”. Data will be statistically analyzed using the SPSS software.

The results of this study will provide insight into curriculum related stress of pre-clinical dental students, which would guide dental school’s curricular changes to help alleviate particularly stressful semesters. Furthermore, the outcome of this project will also advise necessary preventive support for balancing students’ lives and intense course load.