Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on dental academia. Students’ experience in online education and expectations for a predictable practice.

Abstract AbstractBackground: The quarantine associated with the COVID-19 pandemic forced dental schools to suspend their clinical training and to shift to distant learning methods. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 quarantine on the preparedness of dental graduates and to explore the efficacy and limitations of online education from students’ perspectives. Methods: the questionnaire distributed to dental students comprised of two main sections; first part covered the online education experience and the second part measured the level of preparedness for a range of cognitive, communication and professional skills. Results: the survey yielded a response rate of 72%. The majority of students (77%) agreed that they missed educational experiences as a result of the lockdown. More than half of them felt less motivated in following-up with distant e-learning and believed that online assessment is not a good method for evaluation. A high percentage of the students (66%) thought that online group discussions has a positive value whilst 67% preferred online lectures compared to theatre lectures. Majority of students particularly 5th year (78.7%) (p<0.001) stated that the quarantine increased their collaboration with their colleagues. According to 87% of students, the experience most negatively affected was their clinical training.In general, students showed satisfactory preparedness related to a range of attributes and professional skills, however, nearly two-thirds of them prefer to be mentored and favor a structured year of residence. Conclusions: Data showed that students partially appreciated the online system, whereas they did not consider it a substitute for face to face clinical practice. The overall preparedness level was promising, however, some skills regarding evidence-based practice need consolidation. Students had reservations regarding independent practice following graduation.