A Comparative Analysis of the Sources and Levels of Stress Among Dental Students at State and Foundation Universities

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the stress levels and the primary sources of stress among fourth- and fifth-year dental students receiving clinical education at state and foundation universities in Türkiye.

Methods: A total of 198 fourth and fifth-year dental students from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University and Beykent University, enrolled in the 2024-2025 academic year, participated in this study. The Modified Dental Stress Questionnaire (DES), consisting of 30 questions, was administered to the participants to identify the sources of stress. The responses were evaluated using a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from not stressful (1 point) to very stressful (4 points). The obtained data were statistically analyzed (P < .05).

Results: The participants were 71.2% female and 28.8% male; 59.1% were studying at state universities, and 40.9% at foundation universities. The internal consistency of the scale was found to be highly reliable with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.928. The total DES score of state university students was found to be significantly higher compared to foundation university students (P=.004). A significant difference was found between state and foundation universities for 13 different items on the stress scale (P < .05).

Conclusion: It was observed that dental students experience high levels of stress, with stress levels being higher among students at state universities. These findings highlight the need for identifying effective strategies to reduce stress and developing different approaches based on the type of university.

Cite this article as: Ayan G, Işik HY, Sariyilmaz E. A comparative analysis of the sources and levels of stress among dental students at state and foundation universities. Essent Dent. 2025, 4, 0048, doi:10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25048.