When e-learning takes centre stage amid COVID-19: Dental educators' perspectives and their future impacts

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Health
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid transition to e-learning in dental education.
• Previous studies indicated negative impacts on dental education and student well-being.
• This study explores dental educators' perspectives on e-learning during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate dental educators' views on e-learning implementation during the pandemic.
• To understand the impact of this experience on their future adoption of e-learning.
• To identify challenges and facilitators for e-learning in dental training.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with dental educators.
• Interviews were conducted via Zoom and analyzed using thematic analysis.
• The study adhered to Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines.

Main Results:

• Educators with minimal prior e-learning experience faced challenges in student engagement, assessment, and teaching adaptation.
• Ensuring comprehensive dental training, including patient interaction skills, via e-learning was a key concern.
• Factors like student motivation, class size, and material complexity influenced e-learning suitability.
• Educators reported increased confidence and considered incorporating e-learning in future practices, emphasizing the need for support and training.

Conclusions:

• Despite challenges, the emergency shift to e-learning equipped dental educators with valuable experience and confidence.
• This experience is poised to accelerate the adoption and innovation of e-learning in dental education.
• Investment in training, institutional support, and curriculum redesign are crucial for effective blended learning models.