Covid 19 Impact on Dental Education

Abstract

This narrative thesis explores the impact of COVID-19 on dental education. PubMed database was searched, and relevant publications by various authors were shortlisted and studied to extract relevant information and cross-references. The authors of those publications have various backgrounds, qualifications and experiences in relation to this topic, and have conducted field research and surveys on students, practitioners, and general public. According to them, this pandemic has affected all aspects of life, with significant effects on mental health. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, being easily transmissible and lacking really specific and effective treatment, has had direct and indirect impact on life in general and dental education in particular. In fact, the impact on dental education is even more significant in view of the fact that dental students and practitioners are at very high risk due to their proximity to patients’ mouth and saliva, and the use of aerosol-generating procedures. The pandemic has resulted in discontinuation of on-site, in-person, face-to-face interaction and teaching-learning activities. Technology-based distance e-learning is now the norm. Teledentistry is gaining importance for both education and clinical practice. Challenges remain, particularly related to skills of patient examination and communication. In future the best option will probably be a blended approach, using both online and onsite approaches. This requires resources and infrastructural changes. COVID-19 has exposed our lack of preparedness for such emergencies; hence appropriate action is needed for future readiness. Moreover, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on dental education are unknown. Only time will reveal the proficiency of dentists trained during the COVID-19 pandemic

This narrative thesis explores the impact of COVID-19 on dental education. PubMed database was searched, and relevant publications by various authors were shortlisted and studied to extract relevant information and cross-references. The authors of those publications have various backgrounds, qualifications and experiences in relation to this topic, and have conducted field research and surveys on students, practitioners, and general public. According to them, this pandemic has affected all aspects of life, with significant effects on mental health. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, being easily transmissible and lacking really specific and effective treatment, has had direct and indirect impact on life in general and dental education in particular. In fact, the impact on dental education is even more significant in view of the fact that dental students and practitioners are at very high risk due to their proximity to patients’ mouth and saliva, and the use of aerosol-generating procedures. The pandemic has resulted in discontinuation of on-site, in-person, face-to-face interaction and teaching-learning activities. Technology-based distance e-learning is now the norm. Teledentistry is gaining importance for both education and clinical practice. Challenges remain, particularly related to skills of patient examination and communication. In future the best option will probably be a blended approach, using both online and onsite approaches. This requires resources and infrastructural changes. COVID-19 has exposed our lack of preparedness for such emergencies; hence appropriate action is needed for future readiness. Moreover, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on dental education are unknown. Only time will reveal the proficiency of dentists trained during the COVID-19 pandemic