(PO-183) Student Perceptions of COVID-19's Effect on Dental Education
Sunday, March 20, 2022
1:00pm – 3:00pm EST
Location: Hall C
Author: David Stewart, D.D.S. – Assistant Professor, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Nicole Hablitzel, B.S. – Dental Student, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Sharon Su, B.S. – D.M.D. Candidate, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Jungweon V. Park, M.S. – Dental Student, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Chase Hardy, B.S. – Dental Student, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Diarmid Hall, Dental Student – Dental Student, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Martin Lipsky, M.D. – Adjunct Faculty, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Frank Licari, D.D.S. MPH M.B.A. – Dean, College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Man Hung, Ph.D. – Associate Dean for Research, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Submitter: David Stewart, D.D.S. – Assistant Professor, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah
Objective: This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on dental students’ mental health and perceptions about the SARS-CoV2 vaccine.
Methods: An anonymous online survey was administered to professional dental students at an accredited dental school in Southwestern United States. It focused on students’ health, experiences, and perceptions related to COVID-19. The survey consisted of questions ranging from demographics, mental health, institutional responses, and vaccinations. Descriptive statistics were utilized to examine the impacts.
Results: There was a total of 95 respondents with an average age of 27.7 years old (SD= 3.9), of which 48.9% were male. 46.3% of respondents were first year dental students (D1) while 4.2% were second year residents (R2). In light of COVID-19, more than half of the students were concerned about their emotional health (56.8%), with 82.1% feeling stressed, 60.6% feeling depressed, and 52.1% feeling lonely. Nearly 80% of students found it difficult to find motivation to study. At the time of this study, 81.9% of respondents had received a SARS-CoV2 vaccine and 75.5% believed the vaccine is effective in protecting individuals. Additionally, 55.3% believed that the school should require students and faculty to receive the vaccine.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the emotional health of dental students. Our findings indicate that students experienced more stress, depression, and loneliness due to the pandemic. Students were also less motivated, highlighting the need for mental health support by institutions. While most students were vaccinated and believed the vaccine was effective, not as many believed schools should require vaccinations for students, faculty, or staff.
