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Summary
Dental educators can help students manage stress and prepare for practice. An elective course raises awareness of dental school and practice hazards, offering coping strategies for dental students.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Occupational Health
- Student Well-being
Background:
- Dental practice and school are known for hazards and stress.
- Existing support for practitioners' stress management is limited for dental students.
- Dental educators have a role in preparing students for practice burdens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an elective course for dental students.
- To raise awareness of potential adverse effects of dental school and practice.
- To provide methods for avoiding and coping with these problems.
Main Methods:
- An elective course was developed and implemented for dental students.
- Course content focused on potential hazards and coping strategies.
- Student evaluations were conducted over one and two years.
Main Results:
- The course successfully increased student awareness of dental school and practice challenges.
- Students reported learning valuable coping mechanisms.
- Course evaluations indicated positive reception and perceived utility.
Conclusions:
- Dental schools should offer courses addressing student well-being and practice preparation.
- Proactive education on stress management is crucial for dental students.
- Such courses can mitigate adverse effects and improve readiness for dental practice.