Remote learning in a periodontal workshop during the COVID-19 pandemic

Department

Diagnostic Sciences; Periodontics

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Dental Education

ISSN

0022-0337

Volume

85

Issue

S1

DOI

10.1002/jdd.12358

First Page

917

Last Page

918

Publication Date

8-1-2020

Abstract

Problem: Social distancing guidelines and shelter in place orders due to the coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19) pandemic have made preclinical instruction in periodontics challenging. Ordinarily, 18−36 students would be working in the clinic in teams of three, practicing infection control protocols, performing periodontal examinations, practicing periodontal instrumentation, and improving their communication skills. Clinical dentistry involves decision-making skills, communication skills, and most importantly, psychomotor skills. How can dental students replicate a periodontal recall visit virtually, in preparation for treating patients? Solution: The teaching process in periodontics that had been in place before the pandemic was a product of incremental development. The theme for the current quarter was Recall Care. Once it was decided that the instruction would be virtual, faculty were trained to teach via Webex (Cisco Systems, Inc., San Jose, CA, USA). A flipped classroom approach was used. Every week, students followed a familiar schedule, watched curated educational videos, looked up answers to critical thinking questions prior to the workshop, and engaged in discussions with familiar faculty. Ample time was allotted for question and answer or discussion. Students were graded on their participation in the seminar. Questions that were not answered in class were addressed through email in a timely manner. Participant feedback was reviewed for implementation before the subsequent groups rotated through. Faculty also offered small group or individual videoconference tutoring as needed. Technical support operators were readily available ensuring a smooth virtual experience.

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