Perceived sources of stress in dental students

A 36-item questionnaire was used to investigate the stress perceived by students at Manchester Dental School to potential stressors, grouped under the headings of living accommodation, personal factors, educational environment, academic work and clinical factors. The stressors producing the highest ratings for perceived stress varied throughout the course but high values were allocated to examinations, fear of failing the course or year, shorter and fewer holidays than other university students and--for clinical students--approachability of staff and completing the required quantity and variety of work within a limited time. Female students experienced greater stress than their male counterparts. Since high levels of perceived stress can reduce student performance, dental schools should consider courses in stress management.