Comparison of Stress between Endodontists, Postgraduate and Undergraduate Students During Endodontic Therapy

Abstract Background and Aim: Endodontic therapy is considered one of the most stressful dental treatments. This study was designed with the aim of comparing stress levels during different stages of endodontic treatment among endodontic professionals, un-der- and post-graduate students. Materials and Methods: In this ex-post facto investigation, three groups including professional endodontists (n=36), undergraduate (n=41) and postgraduate dental stu-dents (n=47) were involved by convenience sampling. A 48-item questionnaire, with five-point scales (very little to very much), was prepared for this study based on in-terview. The questionnaire was filled out by participants in a self report method. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance and Scheffe’s post-hoc tests. Results: The stress among undergraduate dental students in all fields was more than those of professionals and postgraduate dental students, except for the stress of local anesthetic injection with lidocaine. Stress levels of all three groups were significantly different in inferior alveolar block injections with lidocaine, with professionals hav-ing more stress than under- and post- graduate dental students. The most stressful as-pect of endodontic treatment, among the three groups was canal obturation, followed by obturation of the molar canals, preparing molar access cavities in special condi-tions and taking the final radiographs. The suggested methods offered for occupational stress reduction, was experience and knowledge, adequate knowledge, concentration and self confidence, and trust in God, respectively. Conclusion: The stress among undergraduate dental students in all fields was more than that in professionals and pos graduate dental students, except for the stress of local anesthetic injections with lidocaine. Key Words: Occupational stress, root canal therapy, endodontists, postgraduate den-tal students, undergraduate dental students