Study Probes Rates, Causes of Depression Among Dental Students

A study published in the July issue of the Journal of Dental Education suggests dental students in California experience depressive symptoms higher than the general population, and at a rate similar to those of medical students. 

Survey forms were sent to 2552 domestic and international predoctoral dental students at six dental schools in 2018. The participation rate was 19.1%. International students reported more depressive symptoms than domestic students (48% versus 26%), with first-year and third-year domestic students reporting the highest proportions of major depressive symptoms (30.8% and 31.43%).

The article, titled “High Depressive Symptom Prevalence in Dental Students Associated With Lifestyle and Well-Being Characteristics,” was published by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).