Abstract:

Background: As a result of the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic process, distance education was started for a while in Turkey and then face-to-face education was continued again. During this period, students may experience anxiety and depression. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anxiety and depression levels of dentistry students who are performing clinical practices in the post-transition period from distance education to face-to-face education. Methods: Fourth and Fifth grade students studying at Akdeniz University Faculty of Dentistry were included in the study. Students' anxiety levels were evaluated with the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I and STAI-II), and their depression levels were evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). SPSS version 28 was used in the analysis of the data and p< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The mean STAI-I score of 165 students participating in the study was 51.17±10.86, STAI-II score was 46.65±9.04, BDI score was 15.85±9.16. State anxiety was found in 86.67 %, trait anxiety in 80%, and depression in 41.2 % of the students. The mean STAI-I score of 4th graders (53.85±9.69) was significantly higher than the 5th grade's mean STAI-I score (48.58±11.34) (p=0.002). Conclusion: It was observed that the anxiety and depression rates of the students who participated in our study after the transition from distance education to face-to-face education were high. It may be considered to provide psychological support to these students, who also carry out clinical practices in dentistry faculties, when necessary.