Perceptions of Dental Students towards Online Teaching during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: With the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19, massive impact on our health structure and economics was noticed. Above all, the education system suffered a significant setback. Most of schools and colleges were forced to shut, for almost two years. In this study we investigate the perceptions of dental students towards the online mode of teaching by close ended questionnaire survey in dental colleges. Aim: To study the perception of dental students towards online teaching and to give recommendation based on our study findings. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire based Cross sectional study was conducted in dental undergraduates from 2016 to 2020 batch in Dental Colleges & hospital of Chhattisgarh for period of one month using convenience sampling in order to evaluate perceptions of dental students towards online mode of teaching. Results: Student's perception was evaluated using a close ended questionnaire. Majority agreed on grounds like online teaching is more interactive (50.2%), more comfortable (37.8%), enhanced their technological skill (41.5%) and received support and resources from respective teachers (53.2%). On the other hand, students were having trouble to concentrate for longer time (63.6%), learning practical's online (60.8%), poor internet connection (70.5%) and family distraction (44.2%). Conclusion: We need to accentuate ways to integrate this online teaching with traditional method of teaching, this can open new vistas for better teaching opportunities worldwide.