Comparison of Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Preclinical and Clinical Dental Students.

Objective: To compare factors correlating with stress, anxiety, and depression between dental students (DS) in preclinical (PP) and clinical programs (CP). Method: This study involved 165 DS, utilizing the DASS-21, GAD-7, PSS-10, and PHQ-9 assessments. The data were analyzed using the Rasch model and Spearman test. Result: The study included 38.18% in PP and 61.81% in CP (M:F 1:3.7), and a mean age of 21.99 ± 2.36 years. Person map revealed perceptual differences in anxiety and depression between groups, but not in stress. In the PP group, family was the sole factor correlating with stress (p = 0.032). Stress was the primary mental health concern among dental students, particularly during both preclinical and clinical programs. Anxiety and depression, though less common in the preclinical stage, increased significantly in the clinical phase. In the CP group, both supervisor and family (p < 0.05) were correlated with anxiety, while age and self-health (p < 0.05) were linked to depression. Conclusion: Stress was the primary mental health concern among dental students, particularly during both preclinical and clinical programs. Anxiety and depression, though less common in the preclinical stage, increased significantly in the clinical phase. Identifying factors such as family, supervisors, age, self-health, and academic progression is essential for developing effective strategies to support dental students' mental health.