Date of Submission

2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Jessica Glass Kendorski Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D

First Advisor

Virginia Salzer, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Sofia Pham, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Mark Wolff, Ph.D. DDS

Abstract

Student mental health is a growing concern in higher education, particularly within rigorous clinical training programs. This study estimated the prevalence of anxiety and depression among U.S. dental students and examined associations with resilience and perceived institutional and faculty support. A cross-sectional survey was administered to more than 1,100 full-time students at over 30 accredited dental schools. The instrument collected demographics, the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9), and four items assessing perceived support. Among respondents who completed the GAD-7 (n = 965), 43% scored ≥ 8, indicating probable generalized anxiety disorder. On the PHQ-9, 10.1% scored ≥ 15 (severe depression) and 27.4% scored ≥ 10 (moderate depression). Mean resilience was low (M = 2.95, SD = 0.37), and resilience was not significantly associated with anxiety or depression, consistent with limited score variability. Perceived institutional and faculty support significantly predicted both anxiety and depression, with higher support associated with lower psychological distress. Findings indicate substantial psychological distress among dental students and underscore the importance of supportive learning environments. Strengthening institutional and faculty support systems, alongside initiatives to foster resilience, may be critical for promoting student well-being and sustainability in dental education.

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