Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic among Undergraduate Dental Students: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: During COVID-19 pandemic, students were introduced to a novel learning platform moving away from in-person lecture classes and pedagogies. Medical courses in general and dentistry in specific has its chunk of curriculum devoted to development of clinical and laboratory skills, patient interaction and management of a wide spectrum of oral and general diseases which affect the human body. Many Universities have shifted to online mode of delivery of lectures from traditional college activities during COVID-19 lockdown Objective: This study was conducted to assess the psychological and social, educational and physical health impact of COVID-19 on dental undergraduate students through a qualitative method. Methods: Qualitative phenomenological approach was undertaken. Focus group discussions and in-depth interview were conducted according to different grades of their study during undergraduate course. Results: Psychologically, the students were anxious of prolonging their undergraduate course and also of the conduct of exams. The students were initially thrilled to be with their close family members; but gradually boredom loomed large. Those who used to regularly take part in sports, games and other physical activities could not continue with those as restrictions were enforced. Conclusion: The students were mostly anxious due to lack of training in clinical dentistry, conduct of exams and course duration. Students were mostly glad to be with their family members during lock down. The physical activity among students have come down drastically.