COVID-19 Related Challenges in Virtual Dental Education: Dental Students Experience

Background: Dental students have experienced changes in their learning format due to the SARS-CoV-2 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 2022 in Yazd. The study included 120 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-19 pandemic. Responses were rated using a four-point Likert-like scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (v. 24) with paired T-tests, one-way ANOVA, Tukey tests, and Pearson correlation (P < 0.05). Results: There was an insignificant difference between the two genders across all dimensions. Overall, 39 students (32.5%) believed that online courses are more appealing than in-person classes, whereas 72 students (60%) found dental professional courses with a laboratory format more engaging than online courses. A significant difference in the fear of COVID-19 was noted among 5thyear students compared to 4thyear and 6thyear students (P-value = 0.0001). Endodontics (39.2%) and prosthodontics (30.8%) 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-19 pandemic. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between the fear of COVID-19 infection and the positive experiences associated with online activity.