Certainty in Uncertain Times: Dental Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Qualitative Study

Background: COVID-19-related restrictions on social contact required rethinking university teaching, particularly for practice-oriented dental education. This qualitative study explored feelings of certainty and uncertainty among dental students and teaching staff during this period. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental students from different academic years and teaching staff responsible for dental curriculum courses; data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Fifty-eight interviews were conducted (39 students, 19 staff). Certainty increased when participants adapted positively to the situation; availability of recorded presentations and clear communication enhanced certainty. Uncertainty stemmed from handling a rapidly changing situation, unclear semester planning, and perceived non-transparent information policies. Participants missed peer contact and direct feedback; they were concerned about COVID-19 infection risk, particularly in patient-based practical courses. Conclusions: The pandemic prompted rethinking of dental education. Certainty can be strengthened through clear, transparent communication and training in online teaching methods; uncertainty can be reduced by establishing channels for information exchange and feedback.

Alessandro Scardina, Katja Goetz, Hans-Jürgen Wenz, Katrin Hertrampf