Body Dysmorphic Tendencies and Maxillofacial Aesthetic Perception Among Dental Students

AbstractObjective: To assess body dysmorphic tendencies among dental students and examine their association with maxillofacial aesthetic perception and consideration of aesthetic intervention.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study included 100 undergraduate dental students. Data were summarized descriptively. Bivariate associations with consideration of a maxillofacial aesthetic intervention were examined using Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, and the association with the continuous body dysmorphic tendency score was examined using univariable binary logistic regression.Results: Previous aesthetic procedures were reported by 23% of students, and 38% were considering a maxillofacial aesthetic procedure. The nose was the most frequent specified region of dissatisfaction (38%); 43% selected an unspecified other region. Dissatisfaction lasting more than 3 years, a perceived facial defect, and checking or camouflaging behaviors were reported by 47%, 25%, and 59%, respectively. Sex, checking or camouflaging behavior, and perceived facial defect were not significantly associated with procedure consideration (all p>0.05). A higher body dysmorphic tendency score was associated with greater odds of considering intervention (odds ratio=1.75; p=0.036).Conclusion: Greater body dysmorphic tendencies were associated with consideration of aesthetic intervention. Psychological awareness and appropriate screening should be incorporated into dental education and aesthetic treatment planning.