OCCUPATIONAL STRESS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION AMONG DENTISTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Mental health challenges among dentists are increasingly acknowledged, with stress, anxiety, and depression impacting both professional performance and personal well-being. Aim: This study aimed to assess the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among dental practitioners and to explore their association with professional experience and dental specialty. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 68 dentists using the DASS-21 questionnaire. Data were collected via an online survey, including sociodemographic variables, self-perceived stressors, and coping strategies. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. Results: Anxiety and stress symptoms were more frequently reported than depressive ones. Higher levels of affective distress were observed among endodontists and orthodontists. A positive correlation was found between years of experience and symptom severity, indicating a cumulative impact of occupational stress. Conclusions: Dentists are vulnerable to emotional distress, particularly those in technically demanding specialties. These findings emphasize the need for targeted psychological support, preventive interventions, and emotional education within dental training and practice.