Dentists' Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES: Although studies have revealed that dentists' mental health was initially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no reports on how this notion has evolved during the pandemic years. The aim of this study therefore was to compare Thai dentists' stress prevalence and levels due to the pandemic over a three period of the pandemic, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The associated risk and protective factors were also investigated. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to Thai dentists via social media, that is, Facebook pages and Line groups, from April 24 through May 5, 2020, June 10 through 30, 2021, and April 10 through July 11, 2022. The Self-Administered Stress Evaluation Form-20 (SASEF-20) was used to evaluate the dentists' stress levels. RESULTS: Higher stress levels and prevalence were found in 2021 and 2022 compared with 2020. Sex, age, religion, specialty, working status, and cash flow during the pandemic were identified as stress predictors. CONCLUSION: The extended COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased mental health deterioration. National and regional bodies overseeing dentists should be aware of vulnerable groups of dentists, such as younger dentists whose financial status might be unstable. Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy may be a useful tool to reduce stress in this situation.