Postgraduate student perceptions of face-to-face and distance education in orthodontics: A cross-sectional qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate postgraduate student perceptions of face-to-face and distance education on a three-year programme in orthodontics. DESIGN: Cross-sectional qualitative study. SETTING: UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 25 current postgraduate orthodontic students in the first, second and third years of training were included in this study. METHODS: Postgraduate student perceptions were obtained by conducting online focus groups on Zoom Video Communications Inc. A focus group topic guide was developed, and a facilitator was trained to host the focus groups. There were separate focus groups for each year group, with a maximum of five participants in each group. The focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were assessed by all members of the research team and analysed using a thematic content analysis, with a framework approach to identify themes and subthemes regarding perceptions of distance and face-to-face education. RESULTS: A total of 25 students participated. Six key themes were identified relating to student perceptions of face-to-face and distance education: (1) social support network; (2) technology; (3) learning experience; (4) education environment; (5) interpersonal interactions; and (6) effective teaching/learning. There were perceived benefits and drawbacks for both modes of teaching delivery. In particular, students highlighted the importance of reliable technology, peer support and accessibility of educational resources for their academic learning. Students favoured a blended approach to learning where practical skills were taught in person and some theoretical aspects taught remotely. CONCLUSION: The results aid the understanding of how educational tools and digital technology can enrich the student academic experience. The results provide important information for the future development and delivery of orthodontic postgraduate education.

Obliteration of the pulp canal caused by mandibular distraction: a case report.

We present a 16-year-old boy with a history of ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) who had been treated with a costochondral graft and mandibular distraction. The distraction seems to have caused pulp canal obliteration of the lower right second premolar and lower right first molar on radiographic examination. To our knowledge this is the only reported instance of such damage related to mandibular distraction. We aim to highlight the risks of this complication and the importance of discussing it with patients as part of the process of informed consent.