Dental Students’ Experiences during the Covid-19 Pandemic—A Cross-Sectional Study from Norway

Bibliographic Data

ID15504247
AuthorsIda Heitmann Løset (University of Bergen), Torgils Lægreid (0000-0002-0326-9510, University of Bergen), Ewa Rodakowska (0000-0002-2410-0925, University of Bergen, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume19
Issue5
Pages3102-3102
Publication date2022-03-06
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph19053102
PMID35270794
OpenAlexW4220695255
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited7

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to map dental students' experience of the study situation throughout the pandemic. All clinical dental students (year 3 to 5) at the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Dentistry (IKO), University of Bergen (UiB), Norway, were invited. Participation was anonymous and voluntary, and the response rate was 63%. Questions regarding stress-related factors were divided into three categories. In the category «Stressors/learning», a statistically significant difference was observed between both the genders ( p = 0.001) and years of study ( p = 0.028). Statistically significant differences between the genders were also observed in the category «Stressors/infection» ( p = 0.008). Women were significantly more stressed due to lack of clinical skills ( p = 0.048), not receiving as good theoretical teaching as before the pandemic ( p = 0.016), and uncertain issues around the exams ( p = 0.000). Fourth year students were significantly more stressed due to lack of clinical skills ( p = 0.012), for not passing the clinic/skills courses due to lack of study progression ( p = 0.005), and worries about not being a good enough dentist after graduation ( p = 0.002). In conclusion, the pandemic had a major impact on dental students. The most prominent stressors in relation to the study situation were experienced by students from the fourth year and female students. Clinical and theoretical learning outcomes among students were regarded as worse than before the pandemic. The students preferred in presence lectures, but experienced digital asynchronous video lectures as a good alternative. The pandemic negatively affected the students' social life. Dental schools should be aware that students have been exposed to increased distress and burden through the pandemic and should provide support for those in need

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Cross-sectional study · Family medicine · Graduation (instrument · Pandemic · Stressor · Clinical Psychology · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Dental Research and COVID-19 · Dentistry · Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout · Medicine · Psychology · Internal Medicine

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