Introduction- The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among dental students is very high. The aim of the present study was to determine psychological stress among undergraduate dental students of dental college in Kanpur. Methodology- A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 187 undergraduate students (first year to final year) from Rama Dental College, Hospital and Research centre in Kanpur, over a period of 3 months. Pretested, self administrated questionnaire based on modified Dental Environmental Stress (DES) scale was used to measure the sources of stress. This 41 item questionnaire was further divided into six domains: (1) Stress due to academic factors, (2) Stress associated with faculty, (3) Stress due to clinical factors,(4) Stress due to personal factors, (5) Accommodation/surrounding environment related stress and(6) Career related stress. Each item was scored using a 4 point Likert scale of severity. Results- Among academic performance, the stressors which topped the list were exam and grade stress (95.7%). In career related stressors, all seven items were reported to be stressful by >80% of the students. Clinic set up (86.6%), lack of confidence to succeed (87.2%), insecurity concerning dental career (88.2%), unemployment fear (92%), and possibility to pursue post graduation (89.3%) were the main stressors in this category. Conclusion- Our study confirms the findings that the prevalence of perceived stress is high among dental students. Overall stress levels were significantly higher among third and final year undergraduate students and the major stressors are stress about examination and grades, criticism from faculty, ‘lack of co-operation by patients, fear of failing, financial burden, accommodation, career/future and personal stress.

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among dental students is very high.