Prevalence of Burnout among Dental Students at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Study
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Background: Burnout, a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment, is a significant concern among dental students because of the intense demands of their academic and clinical training. This study aimed to de-termine the prevalence of burnout and its related dimensions among dental students at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 dental students (147 males, 153 females) from the 4th year to the internship level, selected via simple random sampling. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered online questionnaire. The instrument assessed demo-graphic information and three dimensions of burnout: Overload (4 items), Lack of De-velopment (4 items), and Neglect (4 items), using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The study revealed a significant prevalence of burnout symptoms, particularly in two key dimensions. In the Overload dimension, a majority of students felt overwhelmed, with 58% reporting they "invest more than is healthy" in their studies and 53% admitting to neglecting their personal lives. Similarly, in the Lack of Development dimension, 57% wished to study some-thing more challenging, and 51% felt their current studies were hampering their abili-ties. The Neglect dimension was less pronounced, indicating that despite the pressures, most students did not report giving up in the face of academic challenges. Conclusion: Dental students at King Khalid University experience significant levels of burnout, primarily manifesting as academic overload and a perceived lack of professional de-velopment. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions, such as workload management strategies, enhanced academic advising, and accessible mental health support, to foster a healthier learning environment and ensure the well-being of future dental professionals.