Stress related temporomandibular joint disorders-a comparative study between preclinical and clinical undergraduate students of dentistry

Objective: This cross-sectional study compared the proportion and severity of stress related TMD, gender predilection and influence of parafunctional habits in preclinical and clinical undergraduate students of dentistry. Method: The data was collected using Fonseca’s Anamnestic index and Zung’s Self-rating Anxiety Scale. The results were analyzed as proportions and percentage. Chi square test was used. A ‘p value’ of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Mild to moderate anxiety levels were seen in 6.4% females and 3.4% males.According to the FAI, 48.2% females and 67.8% males did not have TMD. Mild, moderate and severe TMD were seen in 41.1%, 9.2% and 1.4% of the females and 27.1%, 5.1% and 0% males respectively. Conclusion: While the proportion of stress was higher in preclinical students, TMD was higher in clinical students. TMD observed in clinical students could be a manifestation of the stress they experienced in their former years.