Dental Students' Satisfaction With Web-Based Learning During the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated an accelerated shift in education, moving from traditional learning to web-based learning. This transition introduced a notable transactional distance (TD) between the instructors and learners. Although disease control and staff and students' safety are the top priorities during a pandemic, the successful delivery of education is equally crucial. However, the ramifications of this swift transition are particularly critical in the context of dental education. Dental education is inherently practice oriented, necessitating hands-on training and manual skills development, which poses unique challenges to distance learning approaches. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine dental students' web-based learning satisfaction and experience of TD, investigate the predictors of web-based learning satisfaction, and explore the perceptions of students about the advantages and disadvantages of web-based learning. METHODS: This study explored the factors associated with web-based learning satisfaction using TD theory during the transition to web-based education. Psychological factors that could influence satisfaction were adapted from the health belief model. We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey of 345 dental students from 2 institutions in South Korea who were enrolled in the spring semester of 2020. Data were collected between July 8 and September 14, 2020. Qualitative analysis was used to examine responses to open-ended questions concerning perceptions of web-based learning. RESULTS: A multivariate hierarchical linear regression model was used to analyze the effects of student characteristics, TD, and psychological factors (ie, perceived risk of infection and efficacy belief of web-based learning) on web-based learning satisfaction. The average score for web-based learning satisfaction was 3.62 (SD 0.84), just above the midpoint of the possible range (1-5). Self-regulated learning (ß=0.08; P=.046), learner-instructor interaction (ß=0.08; P=.03), and learner-content interaction (ß=0.64; P<.001) were associated with higher levels of satisfaction. Moreover, a significant association was revealed between high efficacy beliefs in web-based learning (ß=0.20; P<.001) and satisfaction. Although the learning structure (synchronous vs asynchronous) did not exhibit a significant association with satisfaction, the qualitative analysis results revealed that each structure possesses distinct strengths and weaknesses. The students in synchronous learning (79/345, 22.9%) recognized heightened autonomy in the "learning environment" (19/79, 24%); however, technical issues (28/79, 35%) and reduced concentration (15/79, 19%) were identified as downsides. Conversely, the students in asynchronous settings (266/345, 77.1%) emphasized unlimited access to learning content (74/266, 27.8%) and the flexibility of "learning in preferred time" (69/266, 25.9%). Nevertheless, challenges, such as self-management difficulties (66/266, 24.8%) and limited interactions (55/266, 20.7%), were evident. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that efforts to minimize TD, facilitating self-regulated learning and interaction among students and instructors, are critical for achieving web-based learning satisfaction. Moreover, establishing a common understanding among students regarding the necessity and efficacy of web-based learning during epidemics could enhance their satisfaction.

Students' perception of protective stabilization of pediatric dental patients: a qualitative study.

Protective stabilization (PS) has been utilized to safely perform examinations, make diagnoses and/or provide limited treatment of short duration to uncooperative children. The literature supports PS as an alternative technique when behavior management strategies are not sufficient to enable oral care. The use of PS in pediatric dentistry can be traumatic for patients, parents and the medical team and has sometimes been described as being non-compliant with standards of care. Semi-structured qualitative interviews on dental students' perception of PS were conducted in the pediatric department of dentistry at the University Hospital of Toulouse, France. A thematic analysis of the transcript of interviews was provided using the NViVo software. This analysis identified four main themes. The students described their first experience with physical restraint in pediatric dentistry and wondered about the definition of PS. The students' perception of PS showed that this procedure has a psychological impact and is disturbing. There is a lack of information on PS in dental curricula and didactic and clinical education which requires attention. Finally, the students took into consideration the role of PS in future practice. Dental students' perception of PS provides justification for the development and improvement of theoretical and clinical education in behavior guidance techniques for pediatric dental patients, in accordance with national and international guidelines.

Discrimination and dental students: What is the reality in Brazilian institutions?

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate whether there is discrimination in the dental educational environment, assess the main reasons for the discriminatory events, and if there is an association between discriminatory episodes and sociodemographic characteristics of undergraduate dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire to students enrolled in three Brazilian dental schools. Questions included sociodemographic characteristics and the occurrence of discriminatory episodes in the dental academic environment. Descriptive analysis was performed in RStudio 1.3 (R Core Team, RStudio, Inc., Boston, USA) software and the associations were tested using Pearson's chi-square test, considering 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 732 dental students were included, with a response rate of 70.2%. The vast majority of students were female (66.9%), with white/yellow skin colour (67.9%), and with a mean age of 22.6 (SD 4.1) years. Sixth-eight percent of students reported having experienced some discrimination in the academic environment and most reported feeling uncomfortable with the episode. The main reasons to have been discriminated against raised by students were specific behaviour/habit, have specific moral, ethical, and aesthetic values, gender, and socioeconomic status or social class. The occurrence of discriminatory episodes was associated with female gender (p = .05), non-heterosexual sexual orientation (p < .001), studying in public institutions (p < .001), receiving an institutional scholarship (p = .018), and being in the final undergraduate cycle (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of discriminatory episodes was common in Brazilian dental higher education. Discriminatory situations generate traumas and psychological marks, causing a loss of diversity within the academic environment that leads to loss of productivity, creativity, and innovation. Thus, strong institutional policies against discrimination are crucial to create a healthy dental academic environment.

Impact of a virtual prosthetic case planning environment on perceived immersion, cognitive load, authenticity and learning motivation in dental students.

INTRODUCTION: The application of virtual reality (VR) presents a big trend in medical education. The aim of this investigation was the presentation and assessment of a multi-user virtual prosthetic case planning environment using criteria such as perceived immersion, cognitive load, authenticity and students´ learning motivation during a virtual seminar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The virtual case planning environment consisted of two different virtual environments - the entrance area and the case planning environment. Students and lecturers visited it with the used VR glasses Oculus Quest 2 (Meta Quest). All participants appeared as tooth avatars (molars) during the prosthetic case planning seminar and were able to communicate. These voluntary virtual case planning seminars took place in the clinical prosthetic courses (4th and 5th year). Students were asked to fill in the questionnaire comprising 15 questions separated into four categories, each assessed by a 11-point Likert scale: perceived presence/immersion, cognitive load, motivation and authenticity. A negative and a positive focus group were built, each consisting of three students answering three guiding questions. An exploratory data analysis was performed with the significance level set at p = .05. RESULTS: A total of 64 students out of 98 participated in the virtual seminars. The results demonstrated that the students felt very comfortable in the virtual seminar environment and were able to focus well on the content, demonstrated in predominantly positive results for presence/immersion. Cognitive load and authenticity presented positive results. In particular, the motivation of the students showed a high score (median: 2.1-2.6; IQR: 3.9). The cognitive load should be reduced if necessary to increase focus. The cyber sickness is a challenge for some students as well as the technical requirements of the internet connection, which needs to be addressed. Nevertheless, virtual case planning seminars are an essential tool for motivating the new generation of students. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the investigation demonstrate that the students felt very comfortable in the virtual seminar environment and were able to focus well on the content. The prosthetic case plannings were well understood and the students quickly become familiar with the environment. The cognitive load could be reduced to increase focus. In particular, the motivation of the students showed a high score. The cyber sickness is a challenge for some students as well as the technical requirements of the internet connection, which needs to be addressed.

The self-perceived competency of dental students about contagious diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on their career plans.

BACKGROUND: Dentistry is reported as a very-high-risk profession for COVID-19 contagion. A lack of face-to-face education and poor information during the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted dental students. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on career plans and self-perception of knowledge levels in undergraduate dental students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this multicenter cross-sectional study, a multiple-choice survey was completed by dental students of Near East University (NEU) in North Nicosia and University of Kyrenia (UoK) in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), and Erciyes University (ERU) in Kayseri, Turkey, in 2020. The χ2 tests were used to determine statistically significant differences. RESULTS: Of the 755 students that participated in the study, 66% declared fear of being at risk for contagion. More than half of the students reported not having sufficient knowledge about occupational infections and methods for protection, and the percentages were significantly higher in female and preclinical students. Utilization of credible publications, guidelines (57% compared to 34%, p < 0.001) and online education (19% compared to 8%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in students claiming to have adequate knowledge. Eleven percent of the students thought about dropping out of dental education because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These students exhibited a markedly increased fear of being at risk for contagion because of the COVID-19 pandemic (80% compared to 64%, p = 0.011). Seventy-six percent of the students were aiming for a dental specialty. Eighteen percent changed their desired specialty, and 25% were in search of a specialty that they believed required fewer close contact procedures. CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial to prepare students for the next possible outbreak using the knowledge gained during this pandemic by modifying the dental curriculum and providing credible information and psychological support to guide dental students in building a healthy career path.

Thriving in foreign learning environments: The case of hands-on activities in early years of dental education.

OBJECTIVES: Hands-on learning environments can challenge learners' wellbeing in dental education, given their unfamiliarity with students. As today's learners are more aware about their wellbeing needs, it is important to explore the depth and complexity of the challenges they experience and provide them with the necessary support strategies. This study aims to identify the challenges and sources of cognitive overload of early years' dental students across two time-points: 2012 and 2022. We also aim to describe the students' recommendations for future program revision considerations to support students' wellbeing. METHODS: This study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitatively, we utilized an Interpretive Description approach and conducted focus groups with first-year dental students in 2023. Quantitively, we utilized first-year dental students' responses to the Study Habits survey administered in 2012/2013. RESULTS: Five main concerns and sources of cognitive load emerged from the focus groups and survey data: steepness of the learning curve, inconsistent feedback, stigma around asking for support, structural and organizational challenges, and lack of resources. Students also identified several suggestions to support their wellbeing, including time, instructor support, non-graded exercises, additional resources, and re-organizing the curriculum. CONCLUSION: This study adopts a wellbeing lens to examine students' transition into hands-on learning activities. These findings were utilized to propose the TIPSS Support Framework (Time, Instructor Capacity Building, Peer Learning and Other Resources, Safe Learning Spaces, and Spiraling Curriculum). The proposed model can serve as a prototype for future studies to explore its applicability and effectiveness in other dental programs.

Associations of academic environment, lifestyle, sense of coherence and social support with self-reported mental health status among dental students at a university in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The study evaluated the association of academic environment, lifestyle, sense of coherence (SOC) and social support with self-reported mental health status among dental students. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey conducted from August to October 2018. SETTING: Dental school of a public-funded university in the south-eastern region of Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: 233 undergraduate dental students recruited across all years of the course. OUTCOME MEASURES: Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, city of origin and student's academic semester were obtained through self-completed questionnaires. Perception of the academic environment (Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM)), individual lifestyle (Individual Lifestyle Profile Questionnaire (ILPQ)), SOC (SOC Scale (SOC-13)), social support (Medical Outcomes Study Scale (MOS)), and depression, anxiety and stress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21)) were assessed using validated instruments. The relationships between variables were investigated through multivariable negative binomial regression to obtain the rate ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS: Female sex was associated with greater scores of anxiety (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.97) and stress (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.06). Students who perceived a better academic environment and those reporting a greater SOC had a lower probability of depression, anxiety and stress. Furthermore, a favourable lifestyle was associated with lower depression scores (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99). Social support did not remain associated with depression, anxiety and stress after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that self-reported mental health status is associated with students' sex, academic environment, SOC and lifestyle. Enhancing the educational environment and SOC, and promoting a healthy lifestyle may improve the psychological health of dental students.

Toward safe dental service: risk perception and practice modification among Egyptian dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 was declared a major public health crisis and a challenge to healthcare systems especially dental services where dentists working close to patients face a greater risk of infection. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the risk perception and practice modifications of undergraduate dental students at Tanta University to ensure safe dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A convenience sample of 450 dental students from practical academic years at Tanta University, Egypt responded to a self-administered pre-designed validated and pretested questionnaire from the 11th of February 2022 to the end of April 2022 to assess some sociodemographic data, risk perception, and their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Females reported significantly higher levels of fear than males concerning; contracting COVID-19 infection from patients (97.3% vs. 93%) (P = 0.028, 95% CI = 95.6(93.2-97.3), anxiety while treating symptomatic patients (95.1% vs. 90.3%) (P = 0.050, 95% CI = 93.1(90.4-95.3), and fear of infecting their families (94.7% vs. 89.8%) (P = 0.049, 95% CI = 92.7(89.9-94.9). More than half of the students (53.7%) had good practice scores, followed by 44% with average practice and 2.2% with poor practice. A good practice score was significantly associated with the age and academic year (P = 0.044, P = 0.044). Significant predictors of a good practice score in the logistic regression analysis were; updating knowledge with current guidelines for cross-infection regarding COVID-19 (P = 0.001, 95% CI = 53.20, 2.733), asking every patient's travel history before performing treatment (P = 0.021, 95% CI = 21.149, 1.286), deferring patients showing suspicious symptoms (P = 0.042, 95% CI = 20.688, 1.054), following routine universal precautions of infection for every patient (P = 0.016, 95% CI = 36.469, 1.438), using high-volume suction for every patient (P = 0.025, 95% CI = 20.826, 1.226) and using safety glasses or visor (P = 0.036, 95% CI = 21.673, 1.106). CONCLUSION: The dental students exhibited anxiety and fear while caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, considerable changes in dental practices based on the standard guidelines were observed among the students. It is strongly advised that all dental schools have student counselors who are accessible for in-person and online counseling sessions. Peer support is a great approach to spot problems with stress and anxiety in pupils and start solving them.

Associations Between Temporomandibular Pain and Biobehavioral Variables in Dental Students in Response to an External Stressor.

AIMS: To assess changes in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain and multiple biobehavioral variables relevant to TMDs in response to an external stressor. METHODS: Self-reported data using online DC/TMD questionnaires were collected from volunteer dentistry graduate students. Data collection was performed on two occasions: during a non-exam period of the semester and during the subsequent exam period. Changes in the proportion of students with pain, differences in pain grade, and severity of biobehavioral status were measured and compared over the two periods. The association between severity of non-exam-period biobehavioral status and pain presence was also tested to assess whether biobehavioral variables can predict pain occurrence or persistence. Chi-square test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for data analysis. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of the 213 enrolled students, 102 remained after data reduction. In the non-exam period, the proportion of individuals with pain was 24.5%; in the exam period, the proportion was 54.9%, and more students had a higher pain grade. The severity of all biobehavioral variables was higher in the exam period, but there was no association between changes in the presence of pain and changes in biobehavioral variables. Higher anxiety and parafunction levels were found in those who reported pain on both occasions. CONCLUSION: Exam periods initiate readily measurable changes in the psychologic status of many students, as well as alterations in their temporomandibular pain. Higher levels of anxiety and oral behaviors during non-exam periods seem to be predictors for persisting pain.

Effect of academic stress, educational environment on academic performance & quality of life of medical & dental students; gauging the understanding of health care professionals on factors affecting stress: A mixed method study.

INTRODUCTION: Throughout their academic careers, medical and dental students face challenges that cause varying levels of stress, affecting their academic performance and quality of life (QoL). Our study aims to ascertain the effect of academic stress and the educational environment on the QoL and academic performance of medical and dental students, encompassing the perspectives of both students and healthcare professionals. METHODS: A mixed-method research was conducted from February to May 2022, comprising students from a medical and dental college in Pakistan. During Phase 1, the students participated in the cross-sectional survey and completed the WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF), Academic Stress Scale, and Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) Inventory questionnaires. Academic performance was evaluated through last year's annual assessment results of the students. During Phase 2 of the study, interviews with healthcare professionals who had experience as the students' counsellors were conducted. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample (n = 440) was 22.24 ±1.4 years. The Cronbach Alpha reliability of the DREEM inventory was 0.877, that of the Academic Stress Scale was 0.939 and the WHOQOL scale was 0.895. More than half of the students (n = 230, 52.3%) reported better QoL and the majority perceived a positive educational environment (n = 323, 73.4%) and higher academic stress (n = 225, 51.1%). Males had significantly more academic stress (p<0.05). Those who perceived a positive educational environment and better QoL had better academic performance (p<0.05). Academic performance was positively and significantly correlated with QoL and academic stress (p = 0.000). In qualitative analysis, 112 codes were generated which converged into 5 themes: challenging educational environment, psychological need and support, individual differences, relationship and family life, and adjustment issues. CONCLUSION: Medical and dental students encounter a myriad of challenges, along with significant academic stress, which detrimentally affects their academic performance, despite perceiving a positive educational environment. Conversely, a better QoL is associated with improved academic performance.

Association between dental environment stress and sense of coherence in dental students: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to explore associated variables with sense of coherence (SOC), and dental environment stress (DES) in a sample of dental students. All undergraduate (n = 474) and graduate (n = 105) dental students enrolled in the first semester of 2020 at a public university in southern Brazil were invited to participate. Data collection was performed by an online questionnaire, which included information related to sociodemographic and educational characteristics, biopsychosocial factors, aspects related to feelings experienced in the COVID-19 pandemic, and the SOC scale. The study outcome (DES) was measured by a validated tool. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify the associations between the outcome and all independent variables. A total of 408 students were included (response rate: 70.5%). The overall mean score of the DES scale was 73.95 (SD: 24.13). Students with higher SOC scores were observed to have significantly lower DES scores (ßGRADUATE: -0.376; 95%: -0.482 to -0.271; ßUNDERGRADUATE: -0.478; 95%:-0.658 to -0.297). Female undergraduate students (ß: 11.788; 95%CI: 7.161-16.415) had higher DES scores compared with undergraduate male students. In addition, the presence of anxiety symptoms when providing dental care to patients with symptoms or suspected COVID-19 infection was associated with higher DES scores (ß: 10.460; 95%CI: 5.644-15.277) among undergraduate dental students. The level of stress was higher in non-white undergraduate students than white (ß: 8.912; 95%CI: 3.581-14.244). Among both undergraduate and graduate dental students, higher SOC scores were associated with lower DES.

Estilo de vida, hábitos de higiene oral y autopercepción del estado anímico en estudiantes de Odontología de la Comunidad de Madrid durante la pandemia de la COVID-19: ¿pudo la pandemia tener algún efecto favorable? / Lifestyle, oral hygiene habits and self-perception of mood in Dental students of the Community of Madrid during the COVID-19 pandemic: could the pandemic have any favorable effect?

Fundamentos: La pandemia de la COVID-19 y sus medidas de control parecen haber alterado la dinámica vital de la población. Fue justificable, por tanto, tratar de precisar el impacto sobre el estilo de vida, la higiene bucodental y el estado anímico, en grupos específicos, como estudiantes universitarios de Odontología de Madrid, que nos eran accesibles.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal anónimo y voluntario en la primera quincena de diciembre de 2021, mediante cuestionario online ad hoc, en estudiantes de Odontología de universidades de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (CAM). Se realizó análisis descriptivo de las variables y se valoraron las asociaciones y significación con Chi-cuadrado y T-student. Resultados: Se recibieron setenta y dos encuestas. El 82% eran mujeres y el 18% varones, con 23±3 años de media. El 94% tenía buenos hábitos de higiene oral, que mejoraron con la pandemia. Su dieta habitual era variada y completa. Las mujeres consumían menos carne (p=0,014) y más fruta (p=0,066), hábitos que mantenían, y mejoraron los varones con incremento en frutas (p<0,002), verduras y legumbres (p<0,003) en la pandemia. El consumo de tabaco (23,4%) y alcohol (54%) disminuyó en confinamiento y subió en postconfinamiento. Un 36% aumentó, especialmente en postconfinamiento, su actividad física, antes baja. Conclusiones: Los estudiantes de la muestra tienen buenos hábitos de higiene oral y alimentación que mantienen e incluso mejoran con la pandemia, incluido un incremento del ejercicio físico en una fracción importante de la muestra. El confinamiento afecta al estado anímico y las relaciones sociales, llegando a alterar el sueño de las mujeres, con aumento de despertares nocturnos, sobre todo, en postconfinamiento.(AU)

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its control measures seem to have altered the vital dynamics of the population. It was justifiable, therefore, to try to specify the impact on lifestyle, oral hygiene and mood, in specific groups, such as dental university students in Madrid, who were accessible to us. Methods: An anonymous and voluntary cross-sectional observational study was carried out in the first fortnight of December 2021, through an ad hoc online questionnaire, in dentistry students from the Autonomous Community of Madrid. Descriptive analysis of the variables was performed and the associations and significance were assessed using Chi-square and T-student. Results: There were received seventy-two surveys. 82% were women and 18% men, with 23±3 years of mean age. 94% had good oral hygiene habits that improved with the pandemic. Their usual diet was varied and complete. Women consumed less meat (p=0.014) and more fruit (p=0.066), habits that they maintained, and men have improved with an increase in fruits (p<0.002), vegetables and legumes (p<0.003) in the pandemic. Tobacco (23,4%) and alcohol (54%) consumption decreased in confinement and increase in post-confinement. 36% increased their physical activity, initially low, especially in post-confinement. Conclusions: The students in the sample have good oral hygiene and eating habits, which they keep and even improve with the pandemic, including an increase in physical exercise in a significant fraction of the sample. The confinement affect the mood and social relationships, even altering the sleep of women, with an increase in night awakenings, especially in post-confinement.(AU)

Assessment of burnout level among clinical dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak has caused especially health workers to face mental and physical problems all over the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate burnout, stress perception and perceived social support levels of clinical (the fourth and fifth year) dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The Sociodemographic Information Form (SIF), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Sense of Coherence-13 (SoC-13), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used for data. Questionnaires were answered directly or online by the participants. RESULTS: A total of 211 participants, 67.8% were female, 32.2% were male. Of these, 96.2% were aged 20-24 years, 84.4% were nuclear family, 11.8% were extended family, and 3.8% were blended family, and 91.5% were willingly for dentistry choice. Based on the results; the total burnout score indicated moderate burnout (41.99 ± 9.94), the SoC-13 scale indicated a strong sense of coherence (55.24 ± 7.21), the PSS-10 score (22.44 ± 3.44) indicated moderate perceived stress and the MSPSS score (65.92 ± 13.22) indicated high perceived social support. A positive correlation was found between perceived stress and burnout. Based on the personal accomplishment subscale; females, those living in extended family, and those who unwillingly choose dentistry among the clinical dental students had higher intense burnout (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrated that clinical dental students were affected by the emotional stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic conditions. In the education of dentistry faculties, it would be appropriate to carry out comprehensive studies on adaptation to the changing living conditions with the COVID-19 pandemic and taking the necessary measures for the psychological distress caused by the difficulties experienced.

Percepción de la Virtualización de la Asignatura de Anatomía Humana Normal y Embriología en Pandemia / Perception of the Virtualization of the Subject of Normal Human Anatomy and Embriology in a Pandemic

Debido a la pandemia y las restricciones en cuanto a la presencialidad, diferentes metodologías de aprendizaje debieron ser exploradas e implementadas para virtualizar los contenidos en la asignatura de Anatomía. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la percepción de los docentes y alumnos con respecto a las metodologías utilizadas en la virtualización de dicha asignatura. Estudio observacional- descriptivo, con enfoque cuantitativo. La población de estudio correspondió a una muestra por conveniencia constituida por 57 alumnos y 4 docentes pertenecientes a la asignatura de Anatomía Humana Normal y Embriología de la carrera de Odontología, Universidad Andrés Bello, sede Viña del Mar, dictada el año 2021. Dichos participantes contestaron un cuestionario validado que contemplaba preguntas cerradas con escala de Likert de 5 niveles, considerando las dimensiones de aprendizaje, motivación y rendimiento, y preguntas de calificación para conocer la percepción sobre las estrategias y recursos utilizados. Los alumnos perciben positivamente todos los recursos digitales, destacando el Manual de Anatomía Humana Normal, siendo el aprendizaje, la dimensión mejor evaluada. La estrategia activa mejor percibida en cuanto a las 3 dimensiones corresponde a método de casos. Por el contrario, las clases invertidas fueron percibidas negativamente en todas las dimensiones. En relación a los docentes, el recurso digital mejor percibido fue videos y cápsulas, destacando la dimensión motivación. Las estrategias activas mejor evaluadas fueron método de casos y clases invertidas. Pese a haber una percepción positiva con respecto a la virtualización, no hay concordancia entre las estrategias activas y recursos digitales mejor evaluados entre docentes y alumnos.

SUMMARY: As a result of the pandemic and the restrictions regarding in person attendance, different learning methodologies had to be explored and implemented to virtualize the contents in the Anatomy subject. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of teachers and students regarding the methodologies used in the virtualization of this subject. An observational-descriptive study with a quantitative approach was carried out. The study population was a convenience sample made up of 57 students and 4 teachers of the Normal Human Anatomy and Embryology subject of the Dentistry degree, Universidad Andrés Bello, Viña del Mar campus during 2021. These participants answered a validated questionnaire that included closed questions with a 5-level Likert scale, considering learning dimensions, motivation and performance, and qualifying questions to find out the perception of the strategies and resources used. Students positively perceive all digital resources, highlighting the Normal Human Anatomy Manual, with learning being the best evaluated dimension. The best perceived active strategy in terms of the 3 dimensions corresponds to the case method. In contrast, the inverted classes were perceived negatively in all dimensions. In relation to teachers, the best perceived digital resource was videos and capsules, highlighting the motivation dimension. The best evaluated active strategies were the case method and inverted classes. Despite having a positive perception regarding virtualization, there is no agreement between the best evaluated active strategies and digital resources among teachers and students.

Heightened vigilance and perceived discrimination in dental trainees' readiness for clinical practice.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to examine associations between heightened vigilance and perceived discrimination on readiness for clinical practice and to examine the mediating effects of social support and resilience. METHODS: A survey was distributed to dental trainees (dental and dental hygiene students) enrolled at a US dental school located in the mid-Atlantic region. The survey assessed readiness for clinical practice and included measures of perceived discrimination, heightened vigilance, and the following wellness measures: perceived stress, resilience, anxiety, social support, and coping. Adjusted for gender, and race/ethnicity, we regressed heightened vigilance and perceived discrimination independently on students' readiness for clinical practice. To assess mediation, we computed the direct effects of heightened vigilance and perceived discrimination and potential indirect effects mediated through social support and resilience. RESULTS: A total of 250 students who completed the survey had complete data on all variables. Five percent identified as Black or African Americans, 34% as Asians, and 8% as Hispanic/Latino. Sixty-two percent were female and 91% were dental students. The overall mean (SD) heightened vigilance and perceived discrimination scores were 18.9 (4.9) and 10.5 (7.6), respectively. Only the mean score for heightened vigilance differed significantly by race/ethnicity (p = 0.02). Higher heightened vigilance (odds ratio [OR] = 0.75 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25, 2.23), and perceived discrimination (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.88) scores were independently associated with lower adjusted odds of reporting high confidence in readiness for clinical practice even after adjusting for the mediating effects of social support and resilience, although the association for heightened vigilance was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Heightened vigilance and perceived discrimination appear to negatively impact dental trainees' career readiness. Intentional efforts to prioritize an anti-racism approach within dental education programs and patient care across the nation are warranted.

Correlates of burnout in predoctoral dental students in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to investigate correlates of burnout among predoctoral dental students in the United States. METHODS: All 66 dental schools in the US were invited to distribute a survey on topics such as demographics, year of dental school, and burnout to their predoctoral students. Burnout was assessed via the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, which has three subscales: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA). Multivariable modeling was conducted via generalized linear models using the lognormal distribution to adjust for confounding. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 631 students from 21 dental schools. When adjusting for confounding, students identifying as African American/Black (Non-Hispanic) (regression coefficient [95% CI]: -0.13 (-0.23, -0.02]) or Asian/Pacific Islander (-0.08 [-0.13, -0.02]) reported feeling significantly lower PA than students identifying as white. Students identifying as female reported feeling significantly greater EE (0.18 [0.10, 0.26]), but significantly less DP (-0.26 [-0.44, -0.09]), than students identifying as male. Third- (0.28 [0.07, 0.50]) and fourth-year (0.40 [0.17, 0.63]) students reported significantly higher EE than first-year students, while second- (0.40 [0.18, 0.62]), third- (1.06 [0.59, 1.53]), and fourth-year (1.31 [0.82, 1.81]) students reported significantly higher DP than first-year students. CONCLUSIONS: Risk indicators for burnout among US predoctoral dental students may depend on the dimension of burnout. Identifying those at higher risk of burnout can facilitate the implementation of counseling and other effective intervention strategies. Such identification can also provide insight into how the dental school environment might be contributing to the marginalization of those at higher risk.

Nivel de conocimiento de los estudiantes del tercer curso en Odontología de la UNAN-León, sobre trastornos de presión arterial y manejo odontológico / Level of knowledge third year dentistry students UNAN-León about blood pressure disorders and dental management

Las patologías cardiovasculares constituyen la causa más frecuente de muerte en el mundo, las más comunes son hipertensión e hipotensión. En la consulta odontológica, los pacientes con trastornos de presión arterial requieren diferentes protocolos de atención. En el tercer curso de odontología se tiene el primer contacto con pacientes, al haber estudiado y aprobado la parte teórica del manejo odontológico. Según los antecedentes encontrados, no existen investigaciones que abarquen ambos trastornos de la presión arterial, por lo que se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal para determinar el nivel de conocimiento en estudiantes del tercer curso Odontología UNAN-León, sobre trastornos de la presión arterial y su manejo odontológico en el segundo semestre del año 2021, por una encuesta tipo examen a estudiantes inscritos en cirugía bucal I, 55 estudiantes fueron encuestados. Se determinó que 50.9% tienen un nivel de conocimiento regular, seguido por 27.3% con nivel bueno, 12.7% deficiente y 9.1% obtuvo nivel de conocimiento excelente sobre los trastornos de presión arterial. Según investigaciones previas en odontología, la mayoría de los estudiantes presentaba un nivel de conocimiento deficiente sobre hipertensión arterial. Por lo que es importante evaluar periódicamente los niveles de conocimiento sobre éstos y otros trastornos que pueden presentarse en la consulta dental (AU)

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death world, hypertension and hypotension are very common nowadays. In the dental office, patients with blood pressure disorders require different care protocols. Students of the third year of dentistry have their first contact with patients, having studied and approved the theoretical part of dental management. According to antecedents researched, there are no investigations that cover both blood pressure disorders. So a descriptive cross-sectional study was made to determine the knowledge of third-year dentistry students UNAN-León, about blood pressure disorders and their dental management in the second semester of the year 2021, by an exam-type survey of students registered in oral surgery I, with 55 students surveyed. It determined that 50.9% have a regular level of knowledge, followed by 27.3% with a good level, 12.7% poor and 9.1% has an excellent level of knowledge about blood pressure disorders. According to previous research in dentistry faculty, the majority of students have a poor level of knowledge about high blood pressure. Therefore, it's important to evaluate periodically the levels of knowledge about these and other disorders that may occur in the dental office (AU)

Conhecimento e repercussões emocionais da COVID-19 entre estudantes de Odontologia brasileiros / Conocimientos y repercusiones emocionales de la COVID-19 entre estudiantes brasileños de odontología / Knowledge about and emotional impact of COVID-19 among Brazilian dental students

Em decorrência da pandemia de COVID-19, implementou-se atividades remotas de ensino, como medida de distanciamento social. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento dos graduandos de Odontologia brasileiros sobre a COVID-19, bem como o possível impacto da pandemia nas condições emocionais e sociais destes estudantes. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com coleta de dados primários, por meio de questionário estruturado. O questionário ficou vigente no período de 11 de agosto a 11 de setembro de 2020, com envios semanais, com amostragem de conveniência. Os dados foram submetidos à análise descritiva. A pesquisa abrangeu discentes doprimeiro ao décimo período do curso de Odontologia, das diferentes regiões brasileiras. Foram coletadas 520 respostas, de 14 estados do país. Os alunos demonstraram ter um alto nível de conhecimento sobre a COVID-19, 77,31% não se sentiam seguros, 85,96% alegaram medo em relação ao futuro e 96,15% afirmaram ter havido prejuízos no seu curso de graduação. Dentre os alunos, 69,56% relataram piora no estado emocional, 83,08% perceberam-se mais estressados, 58,46% afirmaram ter desenvolvido insônia e 51,25% afirmaram que a pandemia afetou negativamente as finanças familiares. Conclui-se que os graduandos de Odontologia brasileiros têm conhecimento sobre a COVID-19 e a pandemia os afetou negativamente em relação aos aspectos emocionais e sociais (AU).

A raíz de la pandemia del COVID-19, se implementaron actividades de enseñanza a distancia como medida de distanciamiento social. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el conocimiento de los estudiantes brasileños de odontología sobre el COVID-19, así como el posible impacto de la pandemia en las condiciones emocionales ysociales de estos estudiantes. Se trata de un estudio transversal con recogida de datos primarios a través de un cuestionario estructurado. El cuestionario estuvo vigente del 11 de agosto al 11 de septiembre de 2020, con envíos semanales, con muestreo porconveniencia. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis descriptivo. La investigación abarcó estudiantes del primero al décimo período de la carrera de Odontología, de diferentes regiones brasileñas. Se recogieron 520 respuestas de 14 estados del país. Los estudiantes demostraron un alto nivel de conocimiento sobre el COVID-19, el 77,31 % no se sentía seguro, el 85,96 % manifestó tener miedo al futuro y el 96,15 % manifestó haber tenido pérdidas en su carrera de grado. Entre los estudiantes, el 69,56 % reportóun empeoramiento en su estado emocional, el 83,08 % se sintió más estresado, el 58,46 % dijo haber desarrollado insomnio y el 51,25 % dijo que la pandemia tuvo un efecto negativo en la economía familiar. Se concluye que los estudiantes de odontología brasileños son conscientes de la COVID-19 y la pandemia los ha afectado negativamente en los aspectos emocionales y sociales (AU).

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote teaching activities have been implemented as a social distancing measure. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge that Brazilian dental students have about COVID-19, as well as the possible impact of the pandemic on these students' emotional and social conditions. This is a cross-sectional study using primary-data collection by means of a structured questionnaire. The latter was open from August 11 to September 11, 2020, with weekly submissions, and with convenience sampling. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis. The research included students attending the first to the tenth period of Dentistry courses, from different Brazilian regions. A total of 520 responses were collected from 14 statesin the country. The students proved to have a high level of knowledge about COVID-19; 77.31% did not feel safe, 85.96% claimed to be afraid of the future, and 96.15% stated that their undergraduate courses went through losses. Moreover, 69.56% reported a worsening in their emotional state, 83.08% perceived themselves as being more stressed, 58.46% said they developed insomnia, and 51.25% stated that the pandemic had a negative effect on family finances. It is concluded that Brazilian dental students have knowledge about COVID-19, and the pandemic has negatively affected them in terms of emotional and social aspects (AU).

Aprendizado baseado em problemas utilizando histórias em quadrinhos na Odontologia Forense / Aprendizaje basado en problemas utilizando cómics en Odontología Forense / Problem-based learning using comics in Forensic Dentistry

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a percepção e aceitação dos discentes acerca da metodologia de aprendizado baseado em problemas (problem based learning-PBL) modificada para a modalidade online. Os estudantes da disciplina de Odontologia Forense foram inseridos em uma cena de crime simulada em formato de história em quadrinhos (HQ). Divididos em "equipes forenses", receberam como tarefa elaborar um laudo pericial desse local de crime com o auxílio de um tutor. Ao final do semestre, foi produzido um questionário pela plataforma Google Forms com perguntas acerca da metodologia utilizada, da disponibilização de materiais na plataforma virtual e do uso de um ambiente simulando a realidade forense. Utilizou-se questionário de modelo fechado e respostas baseadas na escala Likert. A amostra foi composta por 58 participantes, dos quais 50 (86,2%) concordaram ou concordaram totalmente que a metodologia foi estimulante e que proporcionou um aprendizadosólido e com propósito. Dentre os participantes, 49 (84,5%) concordaram ou concordaram totalmente que o uso do método PBL contribuiu para desenvolver a autonomia do aluno. Na percepção dos estudantes, a aplicação da metodologia PBL no ambiente virtual, por meio do recurso de HQ, contribuiu positivamente para o desenvolvimento da autonomia do aluno sobre o próprio aprendizado (AU).

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la percepción y aceptación de los estudiantes sobre la metodología de aprendizaje basada en problemas (problem based learning-PBL) modificada para la modalidad en línea. Estudiantes de Odontología Forense fueron insertados en una escena del crimen simulada en formato de cómic. Divididos en "equipos forenses", se les encomendó la tarea de elaborar un informe pericial sobre estaescena del crimen con la ayuda de un tutor. Al final del semestre, se elaboró un cuestionario utilizando la plataforma Google Forms con preguntas sobre la metodología utilizada, la disponibilidad de materiales en la plataforma virtual y el uso de un entorno que simula la realidad forense. Se utilizó un modelo de cuestionario cerrado y respuestas basadas en la escala de Likert. La muestra estuvo conformada por 58 participantes, de los cuales 50 (86,2%) estuvieron de acuerdo o totalmente de acuerdo en que la metodología fue estimulante y proporcionó un aprendizaje sólido y propositivo. Entre los participantes, 49 (84,5%) estuvieron de acuerdo o muy de acuerdo en que el uso del método PBL contribuyó al desarrollo de la autonomía de los estudiantes. En la percepción de los estudiantes, la aplicación de la metodología PBL en el entorno virtual, a través del recurso del cómic, contribuyó positivamente al desarrollo de la autonomía del estudiante sobre su propio aprendizaje (AU).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the students' perception and acceptance of problem-based learning methodology (PBL) modified for online application. Forensic Dentistry students were inserted into a simulated crime scene in comic book format. Divided into "forensic teams", they were assigned the task of preparing an expert report on this crime scene with the help of a tutor. At completion of the semester, a questionnaire was produced using the Google Forms platform with questions about the methodology used, availability of materials on the virtual platform and the use of an environment simulating forensic reality. A closed model questionnaire was used, and responses were based on the Likert scale. The sample consisted of 58 participants, of which 50 (86.2%) agreed or completely agreed that the methodology was stimulating and that it provided solid and purposeful learning. Among the participants, 49 (84.5%) agreed or strongly agreed that the use of PBL contributed to developing student autonomy. In the students' perception, the application of PBL methodology in the virtual environment, using the comic resource, contributed positively to the development of student's autonomy in their own learning (AU).

Empathy level towards patients among thai dental students: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop the Jefferson scale of Empathy - Health Professions student version (JSE-HPS) for the dental student in the Thai version and assess the empathy level in students across gender, universities, and year of dental education. METHODS: JSE-HPS original version was translated to develop the draft Thai JSE-HPS version and was administered to 5 dental students for a pilot test. The final questionnaires (JSE-HPS) were completed by 439 dental students from five public universities and one private in Thailand in the 2021-2022 academic year. The internal consistency and reliability (test-retest) of the questionnaires were tested by using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Factor analysis was used to examine the underlying factors of the JSE-HPS (Thai language). RESULTS: The JSE-HPS represented good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.83). Factor analysis revealed, "Compassionate Care", "Perspective Taking" and "Ability to stand in Patients' Shoes" as the first, second, and third factors, respectively. The mean empathy score of dental students was 114.30 (SD = 13.06) from the total score of 140. There were no significant differences in the empathy levels among genders, study programs, grades, universities, regions, types of universities, and years of study. CONCLUSION: The findings confirm the reliability and validity of the JSE-HPS (Thai version) to measure the empathy level among dental students. Integrating empathic elements into the dental curriculum will help student learning to be more effective and improve treatment outcomes.