Dental students’ perceptions towards the remote learning to preclinical training

Abstract

Challenges imposed by the covid-19 pandemic on the dental education program included adaptations to remote education. The aim of this study was to assess dental students’ perceptions towards the remote learning (e-learning) to preclinical training. Material and methods: One hundred sixty dental students from the second to the fourth year were included. The questionnaire was filled out on Google Forms. All data was collected from May to July 2021. Results: Eighty-three dental students answered the questionnaire (51.9%). A minority of students rated online theoretical learning as excellent (8.4%). Concerning preclinical training after e-learning, excellent values ranged from 4.5% to 26.7%. Most students were willing to take dental residency programs (92.8%). The main areas of choice are dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics. Conclusion: Dental students reported many difficulties during preclinical training after e-learning. Most students intend to attend a residency program in dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery and prosthodontics.