Journal of Dental ResearchSalivary Cortisol and Anxiety in Canadian Dentists over 1 Year of COVID-19

A comprehensive study has been conducted to understand the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian dentists. The study, which spanned a year, used salivary cortisol levels as a biomarker for stress and anxiety, providing a unique insight into the mental health of dental professionals during these challenging times.

Key Points:

• The study found a modest positive association between dentists’ salivary cortisol levels and the count of COVID-19 cases in Canada, suggesting a link between the pandemic’s severity and stress levels among dentists.
• The fear of contracting COVID-19 from a patient or coworker was greatest during peaks of COVID-19 waves.
• Despite the challenges, the majority of participants were not concerned about personal protective equipment at all collection points.

Additional Points:

• The study observed a consistent decrease in general COVID-19 anxiety throughout the study period.
• Interestingly, participants reported relatively low rates of psychological distress symptoms in relation to COVID-19.

Conclusion:

• The findings strongly suggest a link between self-reported and biochemical measurements of stress and anxiety in Canadian dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic. This result should be reassuring for the dental community, indicating their resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges.

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Did You Know?
According to the American Institute of Stress, dentistry is among the top 10 most stressful jobs, with the COVID-19 pandemic adding an extra layer of stress due to the high risk of exposure.