203 - Surgical Performance Anxiety and Stress Evaluation in Pediatric Dental Residents

Purpose: This prospective cohort study investigates the relationship between surgical performance anxiety (SPA) and physiological stress among pediatric dental residents. Stress and SPA are recognized factors impacting clinical performance and provider well-being, yet their prevalence and physiological correlations remain underexplored in dentistry, particularly among pediatric specialists. This study aims to determine whether physiological stress and SPA are interrelated and if sedation type plays a role.

Methods: PGY-2 pediatric dental residents at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC were recruited. Measures of physiological stress, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, were recorded before, during, and after each treatment appointment. Participants treated children using nitrous oxide analgesia and oral minimal/moderate sedation. Each participant completed a surgical performance anxiety survey to self-report anxiety before, during, and after each appointment.

Results: Ten residents were included. Mean heart rate was slightly higher during oral conscious sedation (76.9 bpm) compared to nitrous oxide (75 bpm), a modest but consistent trend. Self-reported surgical performance anxiety was higher with oral conscious sedation both preoperatively (3.6 vs. 3.5) and intraoperatively (3.2 vs. 2.8). Postoperative anxiety decreased in both groups, with a greater reduction following oral conscious sedation (1.5 vs. 1.8).

Conclusion: Although statistical significance was not assessed due to small sample size, consistent trends were observed. Oral conscious sedation was associated with higher perceived anxiety and modestly increased heart rate compared to nitrous oxide. These findings suggest sedation modality may influence physiological stress and surgical performance anxiety, supporting further investigation in larger cohorts.