(PO-004) Attitudes of Dental Students Impacted by COVID-19

Author: Elizabeth Andrews, D.D.S. – Associate professor, Associate Dean Academic Affairs, Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
Author: Christina Hayes, Student – Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
Author: Michael Mears, Student – Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
Author: Fanglong Dong, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
Submitter: Elizabeth Andrews, D.D.S. – Associate professor, Associate Dean Academic Affairs, Western University of Health

Objectives: Previous studies examined dental student attitudes and behaviors due to COVID-19 pandemic.  This study examined effects of COVID-19 pandemic on dental students’ self-reported attitudes, behavior, and utilization of services. It was hypothesized that the pandemic provided a more beneficial learning environment for students who self-reported positive attitudes and concerns.

Methods: This mixed study design implemented a cross sectional Qualtrics pilot survey to 274 pre-doctoral dental students examining impact of COVID-19. Common themes were identified, and a follow-up survey delivered focusing on Academic, Transportation, Relationship, Psychosocial, Clinical, and Graduation/Employment concerns. Data were analyzed using SAS software for Windows version 9.4 (Cary, North Carolina, USA). Outcomes assessed included self-reported student attitudes/behaviors, and utilization of services. Prior to analysis, all negatively worded questions were reverse scored. Descriptive statistics were presented as means and standard deviations for continuous variables, along with frequencies and proportions for categorical variables.

Results: A total of 72 participants completed the follow-up survey. Half were female (n=37, 51.4%), 79.2% ages 25-34 years, and 44.4% (n=32) were DMD 2024. About one fifth (20.8%, n=15) sought counseling or saw a therapist. Students agreed that staying home: allows more time to study (66.7%, n=48) and less transportation issues (59.7, n=43); while 59.2% (n=42) reported increased financial concerns.  A majority (52.8%, n=38) reported that lacking in-person group studying made performance more difficult; 55.6% (n=40) felt depressed; 52.1% (n=37) felt they may face delays in completing clinical requirements. Surprisingly, 67.5% (n=48) reported not have enough time for lunch break.

Conclusion: Students performed better or equally academically due to the pandemic; however, one must consider at what cost? The majority of students had concerns due to the pandemic, whether it be financial, less group studying, or mental health concerns. This highlights the need for more readily available mental health and other resources at institutions.