Dental education amid the obstacles of COVID-19 pandemic: reflections on curricular internships
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2176-7262.rmrp.2025.225628Keywords:
COVID-19 pandemic, Higher education, Dentistry, Online learningAbstract
Introduction: Due to measures taken to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, dental schools worldwide have had to interrupt face-to-face activities and implement alternative teaching methods. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on dental teaching in the compulsory internship training. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires directed at lecturers (n=53) and students (n=132) who were enrolled in the compulsory internship training at two Brazilian universities. The questionnaire included demographics data and topics related to access to remote activities, organisation of practical and face-to-face activities, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on compulsory internships. Results: For students, face-to-face teaching is the format that offers the best transfer of knowledge and the best assimilation of content. In contrast, the majority of students consider remote learning to be more modern and that its application allows for better time management. The majority of lecturers (69.8%) also reported that preparing to teach online classes took more time compared to face-to-face classes. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the learning process in dentistry. Identifying the factors that have impacted teaching is crucial for developing new strategies to face similar challenges in the future.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Maria Áurea Lira Feitosa, Amanda Silva Passos, Mayron Guedes Silva, Rebeca Milene Maciel dos Santos, Vandilson Pinheiro Rodrigues, Lígia Antunes Pereira Pinelli
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