Commentary: An Educational Intervention to Enhance Self-Care Practices Among 1st Year Dental Students: A Mixed-Method Study Design

Burnout, stress, and mental health challenges are increasingly common among dental students. Despite their prevalence, structured self-care remains an overlooked element in healthcare education. Research shows that poor self-care among medical professionals contributes to long-term psychological distress and can negatively affect patient care. However, institutional curricula often lack systematic and culturally relevant interventions to address this issue. There is a growing need to embed proactive self-care education early in professional training. Doing so can promote resilience, emotional well-being, and sustainable career growth. To address this gap, a mixed-method study was conducted at Riphah International University. The study evaluated the impact of a Personal Development Plan (PDP) intervention on first-year dental students. This commentary critically examines the study’s methodology, highlights its strengths and limitations, and explores its broader implications for medical and dental education. It also outlines future directions for research and policy reform to ensure that self-care becomes an integral part of healthcare training.