(PO-087) Decompression and Mental Health Wellness Via Zoom: A Qualitative Assessment

Author: Fabiola Milord, D.D.S., MPH – Clinical Assistant Professor, NYU College of Dentistry
Author: Lucretia A. DePaola-Cefola, D.D.S., M.S. – Clinical Assistant Professor, Group Practice Director, NYU College of Dentistry
Author: Daisy Lee, B.A. – Alumni Relations Officer, NYU College of Dentistry
Submitter: Fabiola Milord, D.D.S., MPH – Clinical Assistant Professor, NYU College of Dentistry

Objectives
The COVID-19 pandemic isolated individuals depriving of the usual human connections. New York University (NYU) Dentistry transitioned to the Zoom videoconferencing platform in order to continue providing a quality dental education. In addition to an educational venue, Zoom was able to keep faculty, staff, and students connected in a way that goes far beyond its original intended purpose. By socializing via various online events, Zoom was able to foster a sense of bonding and provide an outlet that kept us from feeling lonely, separated, and overwhelmed.

Methods
A variety of videoconferencing events were held. They were as follows:
• 3 happy hours - participants were encouraged to have their beverage of choice.
• 1 funeral whereby a student mourned the passing a loved one to the COVID-19 virus.
• 14 graduation parties of graduating seniors, staff, and faculty were encouraged to put on their graduation attire, reminisce about their time at NYU and express for their hopes and dreams for the future.
• 1 cultural event entitled, “Storytelling Through Food”.

Results
Of the 19 events hosted, 75-80 people would show up to each event with evening events having a higher participant count averaging 85-90 people. Comments regarding each event included:
• “I’m so happy to be here. Thank you for doing this.”
• “I miss my family. This is the next best thing.”
• “I feel so useful now! This is great.”
• “I didn’t realize how much I missed everyone.”
• “We need to be here for each other.”

Conclusion
The Zoom platform provided a space whereby the community was able to come together despite us being apart. Whether by phone or webcam, the effort to synchronously socialize remotely was important in managing our mental health and wellbeing as we struggled through this pandemic together.