The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Training of Dental Postgraduate Students – A Questionnaire-Based Survey

Abstract

Introduction The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to a rapid transition to online learning that has restricted the health professional learning.Objective This survey aimed to investigate the contemporary issues faced by dental postgraduate students PGrsquos considering different aspects such as impact on teaching training dissertation studentsrsquo perceptions concern and the reasons for their stress regarding academic activities during COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect data on socio-demographic factors and perception of difficulties faced by the dental PGrsquos during COVID-19 pandemic. Dental PGrsquos were chosen randomly from ten dental institutions located in the states of Karnataka and Kerala. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered online by sending links to their mobile phone numbers or E-mail ids.Results A total of 204 postgraduates were sent Google form questionnaires out of which 146 responded. Majority of second year postgraduate residents 48 opined that the pandemic affected their work schedule and 46.5 reported decrease in patient inflow after the pandemic. Difficulties in dissertation completion and submission were also reported.Conclusion COVID-19 had an unprecedented impact on the education and training of postgraduates in all the branches of dentistry in both states. In addition the pandemic increased stress and anxiety levels among postgraduates due to the uncertainty and lack of confidence to practice independently after residency. These issues can be addressed with smoother transition additional training and good faculty support.