Dental Students' Perspectives and Learning Experiences during the Covid-19 Outbreak: A Qualitative Study

Wen Wu  Tan; Galvin Sim Siang Lin

doi:10.33192/smj.v75i8.262661

Authors

Wen Wu Tan Department of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, AIMST University, 08100, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
Galvin Sim Siang Lin Department of Dental Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, AIMST University, 08100, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v75i8.262661

Keywords:

coronavirus, COVID-19, health profession, focus groups, undergraduate

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the perspectives and learning experiences of undergraduate dental students during the Covid-19 pandemic using a qualitative approach.

Materials and Methods: The current study used a qualitative focus group approach based on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Three focus groups were carried out using a piloted interview topic guide. A convenient sampling was adopted to include undergraduate year 3 to year 5 dental students who had attended regular face-to-face session before the pandemic. Each session consisted of 6 to 8 participants who were randomly assigned, and the sessions lasted for about 30 to 45 minutes. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis using a deductive approach was employed to the focus group data. All the final codes were refined and agreed by all members of the research team.

Results: Four main themes with their respective subthemes were identified through the coding process, namely change in study life balance, online learning, interpersonal relationship, and concern for future.

Conclusion: Dental students faced numerous challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, both mentally and academically. Academicians must reconsider and re-evaluate the curriculum, including the mode of delivery, as total eradication of the virus is not likely to be possible in the foreseeable future.

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