Open AccessMaking of a “dental surgeon” in COVID-19 pandemic; a qualitative study exploring undergraduate dental students perspective
Author(s) -
Gulmina Saeed Orakzai,
Munazza Gillani,
Eruj Shuja,
Anum Ashfaq,
Rohina Ali,
Sana Iqbal
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of rawalpindi medical college/journal rawalpindi medical college
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1683-3570
pISSN - 1683-3562
DOI - 10.37939/jrmc.v25i1.1608
Subject(s) - curriculum , medical education , thematic analysis , perspective (graphical) , focus group , covid-19 , pandemic , qualitative research , medicine , dental education , teaching method , psychology , mathematics education , pedagogy , computer science , sociology , social science , disease , pathology , artificial intelligence , anthropology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Background: The closure of educational institutes in Pakistan due to COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a spontaneous shift from traditional to digital teaching and learning. The present study explores the perception of undergraduate dental students regarding its advantages and limitations.
Methods: This qualitative study was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021. Utilizing non-probability sampling technique 12 students from three dental colleges of Rawalpindi participated in the study. Three focus group interviews, each with four students were carried out. Data was transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis done.
Result: The advantages include becoming a self-directed learner, ease and accessibility. The online teaching was perceived well and participants agreed it saved their time and enhanced time utility. However the challenges included technical issues, behavioral issues and learning compromised clinical skills. Students in their preclinical years were more satisfied with online teaching as compared to those in their clinical years.
Conclusion: The present study support the use of online teaching and learning. This mode of teaching allowed the continuation of medical and dental education during these uncertain times. Hence rigorous effects be made to maximize the promising potential benefits of online teaching. Reevaluating the dental curriculum, by incorporating online teaching within traditional dental education will strengthen the curricula and enable future dentist to have an impact in the community.
Keywords: COVID-19, Dental education, Dental students, Online teaching, Undergraduate