Emotional Intelligence of Dental Students in Dharwad City

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is an important measure of success. It plays a vital role in a dental student’s life which is often faced with stress and risk-taking. The present study aimed to assess the level of EI of dental students in a dental college in Dharwad. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among dental students in a dental college in Dharwad, India Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) scale containing 33 questions was used to determine the EI. It was answered on a five-point Likert scale and scored accordingly. Descriptive statistics, independent sample “t” test & one-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. There was no significant difference in EI scores of males and females and also within the different age groups. The mean EI score of the 1st year BDS, 2nd year BDS, 3rd year BDS, final year BDS students, interns, and postgraduate students were 126.93, 127.49, 129.73, 131.1, 125.68, 130, respectively. It was noted that EI scored did not significantly vary with gender and age. It was also noted that the EI scores increased consistently from 1st year BDS through 4th year BDS. Keywords: Dentistry, Education, Intelligence