THE POST-PANDEMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON DENTAL EDUCATION IN CLUJ-NAPOCA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Abstract

Aim of the study The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on dentistry education in Cluj-Napoca County, Romania, by studying the post-pandemic effect upon medical education and lifestyle changes of dentistry students. Material and methods We conducted an experimental study aimed at associating some of the factors related to post-pandemic situation in dental students: stress, social status, the way the COVID 19 affected study type and characteristics or clinical practice, lifestyle changes, if social life or way of thinking has changed after the pandemic. A self-developed questionnaire, in English language, with no private identifiable information was used. Participation was voluntary, answers were anonymous. Statistical analysis was performed using the MedCalc version 20.110 software. Results A number of 131 participants with ages ranging between 20 to 40 years (mean age=24.2±2.9) completed the questionnaire. There were participants from France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Israel, Italy, Norway, Romania, Syria, Tunisia, United Kingdom, USA. There was an impact of COVID upon studies, the following issues being reported: less practice, social distancing, lack of patients, online classes instead of on-site ones, missing practical activities, procrastination increase, time for study but lack of time to practice the theoretical issues, no hands-on experience, stress and panic, burnout, afraid of a potential infection in classes after the pandemic. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic did influence dental students’ studies; studying dentistry and dental technology online is challenging; lifestyle changes have been noticed in the post-pandemic period.

Keywords

• post-pandemic impact
• dental education
• students
• lifestyle changes
• covid-19