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Burnout Syndrome Among Dental Students in Clinical Training: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in Ecuador

Abstract:

Burnout syndrome, caused by chronic unmanaged stress, is common among health sciences students, and dental students in clinical training are particularly vulnerable due to the intense cognitive, emotional, and practical demands. This multicenter cross-sectional study assessed burnout and related factors in 312 students in their 8th–10th semesters at three Ecuadorian universities using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a questionnaire on physical and emotional symptoms. High emotional exhaustion affected 79.5% of students, high depersonalization 54.5%, and low personal accomplishment 11.5%, with an overall burnout prevalence of 8.01%. No statistically significant associations were found with university or academic semester, although students studying or working more than 30 h per week showed a non-significant trend toward higher risk (OR = 3.39; p = 0.208), and the model’s predictive capacity was low (AUC = 0.645). Frequently reported physical symptoms included lower back pain (41.35%), neck pain (35.9%), and headaches (30.45%). These findings reveal that burnout, often accompanied by physical discomfort, affects a significant number of dental students, highlighting the need for institutional strategies such as psychological support and curricular adjustments to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.