Özet:

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the stress perceptions of dentistry students and to investigate relationship with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) about returning to face-to-face education after remote learning after the pandemic. Material and Methods: The sample of this qualitative observational study consists of 148 volunteer preclinical dentistry students studying at the Faculty of Dentistry of Kafkas University. Perceived Stress Scale and Fonseca Anamnestic Index were used as data collection tools in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires created in Google Forms. ANOVA test (p <0.05) and Pearson correlation test (p <0.01) were used for data analysis. Results: In the Perceived Stress Scale, it was observed that the majority of the students, with a rate of 70.7 %, experienced moderate stress. It was determined that the prevalence of TMJD at any level was 71.4 % of the students. When the results of both questionnaires were analyzed according to grade levels, it was seen that there was no significant difference (p >0.05). When the relationship between perceived stress level and TMJD was examined, it was found that there was a positive correlation (p=0.009). Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between students' stress levels and TMJD prevalence during the exam period. In this period, strategies that will positively affect the instincts of coping with stress should be developed in exam administration.

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