Student Research

This collection showcases the outstanding research and scholarly work produced by our undergraduate and graduate students.

News

Featured Thesis

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
  • Item
    Dental Anxiety in Adults Patterns of Patterns of Prevalence and Demographic Influences
    (2025-07-05) Tayyaba Nazir
    Dental anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to oral healthcare, often resulting in delayed or avoided dental visits. This study investigates how widespread dental anxiety is among adults and explores how demographic characteristics may influence it. A survey using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was conducted among 500 adults from diverse backgrounds. Findings showed that about one-third of respondents reported moderate to high levels of dental anxiety. The data also revealed that women and younger adults were more likely to experience such anxiety. These insights highlight the importance of identifying at-risk groups to improve patient engagement and reduce anxiety-related avoidance of dental care.
  • Item
    Exploring Burnout and Depression in Dental Graduates Using Facial Profiling 1 co
    (2025-06-07) Syeda Wafa e Zainab
    Abstract Purpose: This study examines the efficacy of facial action unit (AU) analysis as an objective biomarker for detecting burnout and depression among dental graduates, addressing limitations of self-report measures in high-stress academic environments. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed with 100 dental students (58% female; mean age=21.3±1.9 years). Participants completed the PHQ-9 for depression and MBI-Student Survey for burnout, while OpenFace 2.0 analyzed neutral facial images for AU4 (brow lowerer), AU1 (inner brow raiser), and facial asymmetry indices. Multiple regression analyses controlled for age and gender. Key Results: Strong correlation between AU4 intensity and burnout scores (r=0.42, p<0.01).Sadness Index predicted 38% of depression variance (R²=0.38, β=0.42, p<0.001).Combined facial metrics outperformed single predictors (ΔR²=0.12, p<0.01) Conclusions: Automated facial analysis demonstrates clinical potential as a supplementary screening tool, with AU4 and facial asymmetry serving as robust physiological markers of psychological distress in dental education settings. Keywords: affective computing; mental health screening; action units; academic stress; machine learning
  • Item
    Correlating Sleep with Stress and Anxiety in healthcare students
    (2025-06-05) Dr. Amina Khan
    Abstract Healthcare students frequently face sleep disturbances due to demanding schedules and academic pressure. This study explores how sleep quality relates to stress and anxiety in these students. A sample of 200 healthcare students was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder- 7 (GAD-7). The analysis revealed that poor sleep quality is significantly associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating sleep health and mental well-being strategies in healthcare education.
  • Item
    Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among Dental Professionals
    (2025-07-05) Rimsha Iqbal
    Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among dental professionals in Pakistan and to evaluate the demographic and occupational factors influencing these conditions. Methodology: A 12-month cross-sectional study was conducted across dental colleges, hospitals, and private practices in major urban cities of Pakistan. A total of 250 dental professionals were enrolled through stratified random sampling. Validated tools (HADS, PHQ-9) were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25, applying chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of anxiety was 42.4% and depression 36.8%. Female professionals and those with <5 years of experience exhibited significantly higher distress (p<0.05). Logistic regression showed female gender (OR=1.9, CI 1.2–3.0), <5 years’ experience (OR=2.1, CI 1.3–3.4), and workload >40 hours/week (OR=2.3, CI 1.4–3.8) as strong predictors. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among Pakistani dental professionals. Early-career practitioners, women, and those with heavy workloads are most at risk. Structured mental health programs and institutional interventions are recommended. Keywords: Dental professionals, anxiety, depression, prevalence, occupational stress, Pakistan, HADS, PHQ-9.
  • Item
    Exploring stress snd anxiety amoung dental students and graduates using PSS-10, GAD-7 and facial profiling as a tool
    (2025-07-07) Noor Ul Sabbah
    Objective: This study investigates the relationship between facial indicators and psychological distress—specifically stress and anxiety—among dental students and professionals. By combining traditional self-report questionnaires with facial profiling techniques, we aimed to determine whether facial features could serve as reliable biomarkers for mental health assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with dental students and professionals who completed a stress and anxiety questionnaire and submitted neutral facial images. Facial metrics, including Action Units (AUs) and asymmetry indices, were extracted using OpenFace API. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations to examine associations between facial features and self-reported stress and anxiety scores. Results: Significant correlations were observed between specific facial features (e.g., brow tension, facial asymmetry) and higher stress and anxiety scores. Participants with elevated stress levels exhibited more pronounced AU4 (brow lowering), while those with anxiety showed greater facial asymmetry. These findings suggest that facial profiling can effectively complement traditional psychological assessments. Conclusion: Facial profiling offers a non-invasive, scalable method for detecting stress and anxiety, particularly in high-pressure academic and professional environments like dentistry. Integrating this technology with self-report tools could enhance early identification and intervention for mental health concerns. Keywords: facial profiling, stress, anxiety, dental students, OpenFace, Action Units, mental health screening
  • Item
    Assessment of knowledge attitude and practice towards oral cancer among dental students and house officer at a tertiary care dental Centre in Lahore
    (2025-07-05)
    Background: Oral cancer is a major public health issue with increasing prevalence globally, particularly in Asian countries. Early detection and prevention play a crucial role in reducing morbidity and mortality. Dental students and house officers are at the forefront of oral healthcare and thus should be adequately equipped with the necessary knowledge, attitude, and practices related to oral cancer. Material & Methods: To evaluate the knowledge of oral cancer, a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire based study was carried out among the third year BDS, final year BDS, and house officers at Azra Naheed Dental College, Lahore. Electronic distribution of the questionnaire among the House Officers and students occurred. SPSS version 26 then was used to analyze the data. Results: 132 participants responded to a questionnaire that was distributed electronically. 94.7% of the total participants agreed that they have heard of oral cancer and 18.9% voted in favor that oral cancer is contagious. 56.8% said tongue is the most common site for oral cancer. Majority of the participants (73.4%) agreed that they do not have sufficient knowledge concerning prevention of oral cancer. 93.2% of the participants explain tobacco, betel nut and decreased intake of fruits and vegetables to the potential risk factors of the oral cancer. Conclusion: The participants' basic knowledge, attitude, and practices toward oral cancer are insufficient to diagnose, prevent and refer such patients. Therefore, enhancing dental students' knowledge of oral cancer is essential. Keywords: Awareness, Dental students, Mouth Neoplasms, Oral Cancer.
Unless otherwise indicated, the copyright for all items in this collection is held by the respective author(s). All rights reserved.