Comparison of stress between endodontists, postgraduate and undergraduate students during endodontic therapy

Endodontic therapy is considered as 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 under- and post-graduate students. In this ex-post facto investigation, three groups including professional endodontists (n=36), undergraduate (n=41) and postgraduate dental students (n=47) were involved by convenience sampling. A questionnaire including 48 items, with five-point scales (very few to very much), was prepared for this study based on interview. 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. The stress among undergraduate dental students in all fields were 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 having more stress than under- and post- graduate dental students. The most stressful aspect of endodontic treatment, among the three groups was canal obturation, followed by obturation of the molar canals, preparing molar access cavities in special conditions 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 to God, respectively. The stress among under graduate dental students in all fields was more than professionals and post graduate dental students, except for the stress of local anesthetic injections with lidocaine.