Educators' Readiness in Supporting Dental Students' Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The mental health of dental undergraduates can significantly influence their overall well-being. Educators can be pivotal in identifying various mental health concerns. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, experience, self-efficacy, and attitude of dental educators regarding the mental health of their students. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving a convenient sample was conducted on a group of faculty members from different dental schools in Riyadh Region. A validated self-administered online survey was carried out between June and August 2022. Results: A total of 80 faculty members participated in the study. A high percentage of participants were knowledgeable about the effect of mental health on students' academic performance and retention (72.5%). About 56.3% of educators did not receive previous preparation to deal with students' mental health issues, and 50% faced cases of mental health issues among their students. Even though 40% were not confident in their knowledge about mental health issues, the majority 85% agreed that getting a course on mental health issues and how to deal with them is crucial. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that while dental educators generally understand the impact of mental health on students' academic performance, they face notable gaps in preparedness and confidence. Key barriers include insufficient training, limited awareness of institutional resources, and difficulties in accessing mental health information. These results emphasize the need to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and resources to effectively support students' mental well-being.