Related Experiment Videos
Association Between Dental Aesthetics and Psychosocial Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Health Sciences
Basem H Al-Huthaifi1,2, Ahlam H Al-Hababi3, Khalid Aldhorae1,4
1Faculty of Dentistry, Ibn Al-Nafis University for Medical Sciences, Sana'a, Yemen.
Background And Aim:
Dental aesthetics has an increasing effect on young adults' psychosocial well-being; this effect is particularly true for patient-facing professions, in which people's appearance influences how others interact with them. However, there is currently limited evidence from conflict-affected, resource-poor settings regarding this relationship. The current study aimed to explore the relationship between the psychosocial effects of dental aesthetics and self-esteem and perceived need for orthodontic treatment among health sciences students in Sana'a, Yemen.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional, Internet-based survey was conducted among 300 health sciences students (18-25 years) from public and private universities in Sana'a between August and September 2025. The survey included the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN-AC). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results:
Of 385 targeted participants, 300 responded (70.7% female; mean age 22.3 years). The mean PIDAQ score was 2.40 ± 0.62, indicating a mild psychosocial impact based on established PIDAQ scoring conventions. Male students had significantly higher PIDAQ scores than females (2.52 ± 0.69 vs. 2.35 ± 0.56; p = 0.026). No statistically significant correlation was detected between PIDAQ and RSES scores in this sample (r = -0.012, p = 0.834). Academic year progression predicted higher self-esteem (β = 0.281, p = 0.002). Self-perceived orthodontic need (IOTN-AC) showed a dose-response relationship with PIDAQ scores (definite need: 2.82 ± 0.41 vs. no need: 2.34 ± 0.35; p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Dental aesthetics significantly affects psychosocial well-being among health sciences students in Yemen, with unexpectedly higher impact among male students. No direct association was found between dental aesthetics and global self-esteem in this sample. Academic achievement emerged as a predictor of self-esteem. Gender-sensitive screening and integrated wellness programs are recommended for resource-limited settings.
Related Concept Videos
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Surveys
Social Relationships and Well-Being