Academic performance and attitudes of dental students impacted by COVID‐19

Abstract

Objectives Previous studies only focused on attitudes and behaviors of US dental students without examining direct effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on academic performance. This study examined effects of COVID‐19 pandemic on dental students’ academic performance, self‐reported attitudes, behavior, and service utilization. We hypothesized that the pandemic provided more beneficial learning environments. Methods This mixed study design implemented a cross sectional survey with retrospective extraction of students’ academic grades. A survey of 274 predoctoral students assessed self‐reported attitudes/behaviors and service utilization. First year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD1) 2021–2024 students’ academic performance data were extracted. Independent t ‐test and chi‐square crosstab analyses were conducted assessing differences between pre‐COVID and post‐COVID cohorts. Results Participants’ academic grades identified statistically significant associations between pre‐/post‐COVID grades in five of 12 DMD1 courses. Grade percentages identified increased average grades in four of 12 DMD1 courses, with one of 12 courses demonstrating decreased grade percentage. Half of survey participants were female ( n = 37/72, 51.4%), 79.2% were 25–34 years old, and 44.4% ( n = 32) were DMD 2024. About 1/5 (20.8%, n = 15) sought counseling/therapy. Students agreed staying home allowed more time to study (66.7%, n = 48), while 59.2% ( n = 42) reported increased financial concerns. A majority reported lacking in‐person group studying decreased performance, and 55.6% ( n = 40) reported feeling depressed. Conclusion Students performed better overall in courses delivered remotely with clinical application and team‐based engagement. Students performed equally overall; however, the majority had concerns regarding finances, group studying, and mental health challenges. This highlights the need for more readily available resources at institutions.

Moderating Effects of Self-Esteem on the Relationship between Communication Anxiety and Academic Performance among Female Health College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…It is often neglected that teamwork, most frequently occurring in classroom sessions, boosts student engagement, improves communication skills, and enhances critical thinking abilities [ 21 ]. In support of this view, a recent study among dental students in the US reported that their academic performance may have decreased due to the lack of in-person group studying [ 22 ]. Similarly, according to the findings from a study from Kazakhstan, the students reported a negative impact on their communication and interpersonal relationships [ 23 ].…”

A 10‐year longitudinal study of dental students’ emotional intelligence and the impact of COVID‐19

“…Although academic performance was not found to have been impacted negatively, 8 and in fact improved with remote course delivery, studies of dental students have reported significantly higher rates of depression, stress, and anxiety and the majority of dental students reported experiencing depression. 7,8 The intention of this study is to measure EI of dental students longitudinally across the span of matriculation and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EI of dental students. With the timing of the start and duration of the pandemic, its impact was felt differently by each student cohort in this study, depending on what stage they were at during their matriculation.…”

“…The lasting impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on dental education have not been fully explored. Although academic performance was not found to have been impacted negatively, 8 and in fact improved with remote course delivery, studies of dental students have reported significantly higher rates of depression, stress, and anxiety and the majority of dental students reported experiencing depression 7,8 . The intention of this study is to measure EI of dental students longitudinally across the span of matriculation and the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the EI of dental students.…”

Gambaran Tingkat Kepercayaan Diri Mahasiswa Profesi Terhadap Perawatan Gigi Tiruan Cekat

“…Penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Hayes dkk pada mahasiswa kedokteran gigi di Pomona memperlihatkan bahwa mahasiswa khawatir akan dampak pandemi Covid-19 pada pengalaman klinis yang akan dijalani selama pendidikan. 5 Berdasarkan hal di atas, penelitian ini dilakukan untuk evaluasi kepercayaan diri mahasiswa profesi kedokteran yang mendapatkan pembelajaran tentang ilmu gigi tiruan cekat baik teori maupun keterampilannya secara daring.…”

“…Hal ini sejalan dengan penelitian yang dilakukan di Pomona yang memperlihatkan bahwa responden mengakui mereka mempunyai lebih banyak waktu yang dapat digunakan untuk belajar. 5 Mahasiswa tahun pertama di Malaysia memiliki performa yang baik dengan pembelajaran daring tapi mahasiswa tahun kedua dan ketiga mengalami kesulitan karena adanya kegiatan klinis yang perlu dijalankan.7 Penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Bezerra dkk memperlihatkan bahwa siswa di Brazil memiliki performa yang kurang baik selama pembelajaran daring, hal ini karena beberapa hal seperti kondisi pandemi yang mendadak sehingga kesulitan adaptasi proses pembelajaran dari luring ke daring, kesulitan keuangan yang menyebabkan mahasiswa perlu bekerja untuk mencukupi dana pendidikannya.8…”