A Preliminary Study Investigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Education in the Caribbean: A Student’s Perspective

Abstract

Dental education was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this preliminary study was to begin to assessment of the effect of the pandemic on dental education in the Caribbean. An online self-administered questionnaire was emailed to undergraduate dental students. The survey was conducted at the end of the semester’s online learning period. The survey assessed the experiences and attitudes of the students. Chi-square and Fisher exact test were tabulated to ascertain the relationship between questions asked with the year of study and gender. The response rate was 73% (n = 100). The respondents comprised 53.4% (n = 24) of preclinical and 72.7% (n = 40) of clinical students who stated didactic and clinical training were affected. In total, 86.7% (n = 39) of preclinical students felt that their lab experience was affected and 96.4% (n = 53) of clinical students reported their clinical training was affected. Restorative dentistry was the sub-specialty students felt was mainly affected. Recorded lectures to review later was stated as the most significant advantage of online learning. A lack of hands-on experience as a result of no access to a preclinical lab was the most negative aspect of online learning for preclinical students. Clinical students reported that their clinical experience was affected by clinic closure and the move to online learning. Moreover, 66% (n = 66) of respondents reported poor internet connection. There was no statistically significant correlation between gender and year of study with the questions asked. Students reported a positive attitude to online learning. However, they did not consider it a substitute for face-to-face laboratory and clinical teaching.