Dynamic changes in salivary cortisol and protein among dental students

Abstract

Background: Student assessments are the traditional methods of assessing academic success, and they are considered to affect one’s career. This study evaluated the levels of salivary stress biomarkers represented by cortisol and total salivary protein during final academic assessments of dental undergraduates. Methods: Saliva samples were obtained, one before the exam another afterwards. Concentrations of salivary stress biomarkers were obtained by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Before the exam, the two parameters were dramatically higher than afterwards, with a substantial difference between the levels of salivary protein and cortisol (p=0.000, 0.000 consecutively). Conclusion: Stress induced by academic examinations may increase the level of salivary stress biomarkers in the short term.