A radical change in the dental education model in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The present cross-sectional, observational study was done to assess the new norms of dental education, its effect on the students, and awareness in the post-COVID-19 era. Every question had 2 options- after complete lockdown and after partial lockdown. A higher percentage of the students believed that quarantine during the lockdown enhanced their collaboration with their fellow students. 60.7 % of the students during the complete lockdown and 76.9% during the partial lockdown, felt more motivated by the distant technology-dependent model of education. Students during the complete lockdown (69.20%) and partial lockdown (69.50%) felt that online group discussion and discussion of clinical-based case scenarios had an enhancing effect on their learning. Dental students (67%) in the complete lockdown and 75.70% in the partial lockdown felt comfortable with the e-learning. During the complete lockdown, 57.9% of the subjects were not confident in the clinical skills acquired, whereas during the partial lockdown only 38.2% were not confident in the clinical skills acquired. Mean scores for dental education, clinical readiness, and self-preparedness were higher after the partial lockdown as compared to the complete lockdown. However, the self -preparedness was more after the partial lockdown as compared to the complete lockdown. Dental colleges have to deal with e-learning methods being developed all of a sudden due to the pandemic. However, there are still problems with online learning and teaching that can be improved with the help of a supportive administration and tutors recording of learning videos as well as proper training of the staff and students.