Evaluation of the Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Education Process of Dentistry Faculties in Turkey: A Survey Study

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this study is to determine the existing changes in the education process in dentistry faculties in Turkey from the spring term of 2020 to the present day and to provide information exchange between universities. Methods:In total 79 dentistry faculties in Turkey were invited to this survey study. Data were collected between April 15, 2021 and May 1, 2021. In the 32-item questionnaire, questions were asked about the characteristics of the faculties (state or private institution, foundation year) and how they carried out their educational activities (online, face-to-face, etc.) since the beginning of the pandemic. Chi-square test and Fisher's Exact test were used to determine the differences between the groups (p<0.05). Results:The questionnaire was answered by 67 dentistry faculties (84.8%). Theoretical education in dentistry faculties continued online at a rate of 71.6% in all three terms. Preclinical and clinical education, which continued through distance education in the spring of 2020, was carried out mostly face-to-face (51.6% preclinical, 88.2% clinical) in the spring of 2021. The rate of continuing the theoretical education online (72.5%) of public universities in the spring term of 2020 was statistically higher than that of private universities (70.4%) (p<0.05). While most of the faculties performed their theoretical (83.6%) and preclinical (51.5%) exams online in the spring of 2020, they preferred to conduct the practical exams mostly (47.8%) face-to-face in the 2021 spring term. Conclusion:During the pandemic process, a hybrid education model was preferred in dentistry faculties in Turkey, in which theoretical courses are offered by distance education and practical courses are provided face-to-face.