Introduction: The spread of COVID-19 pandemic has gripped the entire world and caused widespread public health concerns, hampered economics and education system immensely. Online classes have been an alternative to give continuity to the theory classes. The objective of this study is to assess the various aspects of online classes and perception of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students of Kathmandu University (KU) during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Method: Cross-sectional, questionnaire based descriptive study using online Google form was distributed among the BDS students of KU. The questionnaire was distributed via social media. Frequency distribution of the descriptive data was done. Chi-square test was done to assess the difference in perception about online classes between the basic science and clinical science students. Result: 89% of the students had never attended any online classes before online education due to COVID-19 pandemic. 76.9% agreed that the online class is distracting. 57.5% used smartphone for seeking online class and medium most frequently used was Zoom platform. 70.2% students could ask questions, communicate & receive response during online class. 55.4% students disagreed that online classes are more effective. Statistical significant differences were seen in students submitting assignments, communication and practical simulation among basic science and clinical science students. Conclusion: Online class can serve as an alternative effective educational tool. With more practice, system upgrading, capacity building of the student-teacher; it is bound to be more effective as well as efficient. The online class should be designed in such a way that student can focus and find it more interesting and should introduce various strategies to increase the interaction between students and teachers. Further, training on online class is required for both course recipients and providers.
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused lockdown situation impeding all educational institutions including dental colleges. The circumstance demanded online classes as the alternative strategy for continuation of education. Objective To assess current practice and perception about online education among faculties of dental colleges in Nepal. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among 208 faculties of all dental colleges in Nepal. Data collection was done through structured online questionnaire comprising demographic information, practice and perception of the respondents towards online education. Descriptive statistics surveyed the frequency distribution and Chi-square test assessed the difference in perception among the faculties of different universities. Result The response rate was 74.3%. Faculties commonly used PowerPoint presentation (96.6%) on Zoom platform (83.3%) using laptop (94.7%) with Wi-Fi connection (91.8%). Majority of faculties had good or satisfactory access to internet (94.8%). The faculties believed that the online class environment was interactive (95.2%); but it was not effective (86.5%) as live classroom. Majority of the faculties (79.4%) felt tracking of students’ presence was difficult. There was no significant difference on perception towards online class among the faculties of Kathmandu University, Tribhuvan University and BP Koirala Institute Health Sciences at p < 0.05. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for e-learning in dental education in Nepal. Faculties agree to complete the theory syllabus and conduct sessional exams as an alternative during the lockdown period. However, they show strong reservations in carrying out practical/clinical simulations and university exams online. Training on e-learning and institutional strategy for online education is recommended.
Introduction: General dentists and specialists other than orthodontist may encounter patient requiring orthodontic treatment. For proper counseling and referral, it is important that general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists have adequate level of orthodontic knowledge. Objective: To assess the knowledge of orthodontic treatment among general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists and to compare the knowledge between the two groups. Materials & Method: A descriptive cross sectional study using questionnaire was performed among 185 actively practicing general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists of Nepal. The questionnaire comprised of three parts. The first part included demographic details, second part contained 5 multiple choice questions regarding orthodontic counseling and third part integrated 18 questions for evaluating knowledge of orthodontic treatment. Each correct answer was given score 1 and every incorrect answer was scored zero in the third part of the questionnaire. Result: Among total participants, 60.5% think first orthodontic evaluation of a child should be carried out within 7 to 8 years of age and 44.3% think orthodontic treatment can even be started after 40 years of age. Around 66% of the participants think that orthodontic treatment cannot be performed in periodontally compromised cases. No significant difference was found between the mean scores of knowledge among general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists (p=0.891), or among dentists with different years of experience (p=0.644). Conclusion: There is a need for more education of orthodontic treatment concepts to the dentists who do not belong to orthodontic field for proper counseling and referral.
Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global public health emergency which is affecting people across the world. Health care professionals and their working environment are in close by vicinity to the patient. The chance of cross-contamination and spread of infection is high if proper infection control measures are not taken. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of Nepali medical and dental practitioners on infection control during the COVID-2019 pandemic. Materials and Method: A self administered questionnaire was formulated and circulated online among health care practitioners. Questionnaire consisted of questions on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding infection control on COVID-19 pandemic. A scoring criteria was set, giving score 1 to the correct answer and score 0 to the incorrect answer. Total scores were calculated and levels of knowledge, attitude and practice were assessed. Mean scores for medical and dental practitioners were also assessed and compared. Result: Total 80% of the total participants had not received training on infection prevention and control practices specifically for COVID-19. Only 19.3%, 4.7%, 9.5% participants scored maximum scores for knowledge, attitude and practice, respectively. Majority of the participants (around 80%) had good attitude towards infection control regarding COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: There is a need for specific training on infection prevention and control on COVID-19 for Nepali health care professionals. Supply of personal protective equipment materials required for infection control against COVID-19 in health care facility should improve to combat against this pandemic.
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