Impact of Screen Exposure on the Academic Performance of Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Academic performance and screen time are closely linked, as excessive screen use can impact focus, retention, and overall learning outcomes. Understanding this relationship is essential for promoting healthier digital habits and improving student achievement. This study explores the relationship between screen time and students' academic performance. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the association between screen time and academic achievement among 80 dental students. The study employed a convenience sampling method. Participants reported their daily screen usage through the Digital Wellbeing tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-square test in SPSS software version 25.0. Results: This study explored the relationship between gender, year of study, and screen time among dental students. Students with lower screen time showed better academic performance, with a higher proportion in the "good" and "average" categories. These findings suggest a potential association between increased screen time and poorer academic performance, though further research is needed to establish causality. Conclusion: This study suggests a potential link between higher screen time and poorer academic performance among dental students. Students with more screen exposure tended to perform worse academically, while those with less screen time performed better. However, further research is needed to confirm causality and explore ways to manage screen time for improved academic outcomes.