COVID-۱۹ Related Challenges in Virtual Dental Education: Dental Students Experience

Background: Dental students have experienced changes in their learning format due to the SARS-CoV-۲ pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate their perspectives on E-learning during this time. Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing a validated and reliable questionnaire and an online self-report was conducted with dental students in ۲۰۲۲ in Yazd. The study included ۱۲۰ dental students from the last three years of their program. Socio-demographic and academic data were collected, and certain questions explored students' perspectives on E-learning and its impact on dental education during the COVID-۱۹ pandemic. Responses were rated using a four-point Likert-like scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (v. ۲۴) with paired T-tests, one-way ANOVA, Tukey tests, and Pearson correlation (P < ۰.۰۵). Results: There was an insignificant difference between the two genders across all dimensions. Overall, ۳۹ students (۳۲.۵%) believed that online courses are more appealing than in-person classes, whereas ۷۲ students (۶۰%) found dental professional courses with a laboratory format more engaging than online courses. A significant difference in the fear of COVID-۱۹ was noted among ۵thyear students compared to ۴thyear and ۶thyear students (P-value = ۰.۰۰۰۱). Endodontics (۳۹.۲%) and prosthodontics (۳۰.۸%) were the two fields that were most negatively affected. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that online activity could serve as a beneficial substitute for dental students during the quarantine. Overall, students expressed positive views about the impact of E-learning during the COVID-۱۹ pandemic. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between the fear of COVID-۱۹ infection and the positive experiences associated with online activity.

کلیدواژه ها:

Coronavirus disease ، COVID-۱۹ ، dental education ، perception