Association Between Dental Aesthetics and Psychosocial Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Health Sciences Students in Yemen.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dental aesthetics has an increasing effect on young adults' psychosocial well-being; this effect is particularly true for patient-facing professions, in which people's appearance influences how others interact with them. However, there is currently limited evidence from conflict-affected, resource-poor settings regarding this relationship. The current study aimed to explore the relationship between the psychosocial effects of dental aesthetics and self-esteem and perceived need for orthodontic treatment among health sciences students in Sana'a, Yemen.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional, Internet-based survey was conducted among 300 health sciences students (18-25 years) from public and private universities in Sana'a between August and September 2025. The survey included the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN-AC). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.

RESULTS

Of 385 targeted participants, 300 responded (70.7% female; mean age 22.3 years). The mean PIDAQ score was 2.40 ± 0.62, indicating a mild psychosocial impact based on established PIDAQ scoring conventions. Male students had significantly higher PIDAQ scores than females (2.52 ± 0.69 vs. 2.35 ± 0.56; p = 0.026). No statistically significant correlation was detected between PIDAQ and RSES scores in this sample (r = -0.012, p = 0.834). Academic year progression predicted higher self-esteem (β = 0.281, p = 0.002). Self-perceived orthodontic need (IOTN-AC) showed a dose-response relationship with PIDAQ scores (definite need: 2.82 ± 0.41 vs. no need: 2.34 ± 0.35; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dental aesthetics significantly affects psychosocial well-being among health sciences students in Yemen, with unexpectedly higher impact among male students. No direct association was found between dental aesthetics and global self-esteem in this sample. Academic achievement emerged as a predictor of self-esteem. Gender-sensitive screening and integrated wellness programs are recommended for resource-limited settings.