Dental education is a stressful experience for some students. Dental students have been found to report stress levels higher than in the general population, with 36% of students reporting significant psychological distress. Canadian dental students have reported an increase in anxiety, depression and hostility. No research was found to have investigated dental education stress using a qualitative analytical approach. Objectives: This study aimed to better understand the experience of stress among dentistry students using qualitative methodology. Methods: 12 recent graduates from the McGill University Faculty of Dentistry were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Themes from the interviews were identified and coded by reading and rereading the texts until information-saturation occurred. Results: Firstly, four sources of stress were identified: workload pressure, fear of failure, faculty relations, and transition stress. Secondly, three effective coping mechanisms were highlighted by the students: seeking support, focusing on things that they can control, and participating in extra-curricular activities. Finally, three types of students with respect to their experience of stress were found: the highly stressed student, the moderately stressed student, and the relaxed student. This typology of dental student is new information that has not been studied before. Conclusion: Faculties need to identify and aid highly stressed students.

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