Evaluating Tolerance Levels of Dental Students in King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: The spectrum of socio-economic backgrounds can lead to an unpredictable range of social interactions between patients and prospective dentists. Tolerance is essential for patient relationships and conflict resolution, making it a topic of significant scientific and practical importance. This study aimed to explore the tolerance levels of dental students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) towards their patients in relation to the students' associated circumstances. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the tolerance level of dental interns and senior dental students of KAU towards their patients. The Likert scale was used in the questionnaire with bi-directional questions with points allocated. The questionnaire assessed demographic data and lifestyle patterns of the participant as well as the participant's tolerance towards various clinical scenarios involving patients of different nationalities and behaviours. Results: In this study, 193 participants out of 254 completed the questionnaire, for a response rate of 75.98%. The dental interns reported more tolerance than 6th-year dental students, and students with a grade point average score of ‘B' were found to be more tolerant than those with other scores. Male and female students were more tolerant of different parameters. Diet and sleep could not be directly correlated to tolerance. Married students and students living with family exhibited higher tolerance than single students and those living alone. Conclusion: This study established a variety of factors that can influence tolerance levels. It would be informative to conduct future investigations with a broader range of patients and analyse the relationship between tolerance and other emotional parameters.