Resuming Clinical Teaching in the Era of COVID-19: Experiences and Protocols from a Dental School in Malaysia

Abstract

The rapid spread of the global pandemic COVID-19 had challenged the Malaysian Healthcare and Education Systems. Teaching and learning at dental schools across the country were drastically changed to online approach as the nation enforced Movement Control Order (MCO). However, translation of psychomotor skills still require hands-on approach to produce competent dentists upon graduation, but most dental schools were not prepared for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission that require more strict cross infection protocol. The aim of this paper was to describe the response by a dental school in Malaysia to COVID-19 in modifying the clinical teaching and learning, infrastructure, facilities, and clinical services, and enhancing the infection control protocol through risk assessment of COVID-19 transmission and prevention strategies. The paper also discusses the limitations of our approach, challenges in providing clinical services and supervision as well as implications of changes to our practice. In conclusion, COVID-19 has modified the delivery and implementation of clinical teaching and learning in Malaysia. However, within the limited fund and resources, dental teaching institutions need to adapt to the new normal clinical environment in order to ensure that dentals students graduate on time with sufficient clinical training.

Microbial adherence on vacuum-formed retainers with different surface roughness as constructed from conventional stone models and 3D printed models: a randomized controlled clinical trial

“…Second, it was a challenge to perform a clinical trial during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Our trial commenced in December 2019, and our government had enforced movement control order in various phases from 18 March 2020, which had restricted movements throughout Malaysia as an effort to control the outbreak [ 45 ]. Although patients were allowed to attend for their dental appointments, there were many uncertainties in terms of mobility for the public, which possibly had contributed to a higher attrition in this study.…”

A COVID-19 University-Based Dental Clinic Experience and Infection Control Protocol Modification for Safe Clinical Education

“…34 A dental school in Malaysia followed another protocol whereby AGP treatments were provided in enclosed pods that used specially designed physical barriers 2 m in height around each cubicle. 35 At UQUDENT, minimizing AGPs was encouraged by considering the use of hand instrumentation and minimally invasive dentistry techniques whenever possible. The use of rubber dams, high volume suction, and other precautions to decrease aerosol generation was also emphasized.…”

Validation of the Simplified Malaysian Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire for the Sociodental Approach to Estimate the Orthodontic Treatment Need

“…In addition, tracing school children was not practical at a time when the Malaysian government enforced various phases of the movement control order to control the chains of COVID-19 disease transmissions. Instead, patients were recruited as clinical service was allowed to continue following precautions [ 43 ].…”