NAVIGATING STRESS AND PERFORMANCE:VARIABILITY IN PRE-CLINICAL PROSTHODONTICS ASSESSMENTS FOR SECOND-YEAR STUDENTS

Background:Stress is a common factor in dental education, particularly in preclinical prosthodontics training, where
students are expected to develop precise technical skills. This study investigates the relationship between stress levels
and performance in denture fabrication among second-year dental students. By understanding the impact of stress, dental
educators can implement strategies to improve student well-being and educational outcomes.
Methods:The study was conducted at ITS Dental College, Ghaziabad, involving 85 second-year dental students.
Participants completed a trial denture base exercise using acrylic and wax components. Their work was assessed by four
independent examiners using objective scoring criteria. Stress levels were measured using a self-report questionnaire,
with scores indicating varying levels of perceived stress. Correlations between stress levels and the accuracy of students'
preclinical performances were analysed.
Results:Preliminary findings suggest a notable correlation between higher stress levels and decreased accuracy in
denture fabrication. Students reporting higher perceived stress tended to have lower scores in their preclinical work,
indicating that stress negatively impacted their performance. Conversely, students with lower stress levels demonstrated
more accurate and precise denture fabrication outcomes.
Conclusion:The study highlights the significant role stress plays in the performance of dental students during preclinical prosthodontics exercises. Managing stress is crucial to enhancing both the educational experience and the clinical preparedness of students. These findings suggest that incorporating stress management strategies in dental education may lead to improved performance and better overall student well-being in prosthodontics training.