Impact of Covid-19 on the Effectiveness of Teaching Operative Dentistry in Iraq

Abstract

Several dental colleges and instructors are planning how they guide and engage with students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic problem. Covid 19 played a significant role in changing teaching strategies from classroom learning (CL) to online distant learning (DL) and eventually to blended learning (BL). The aim of this survey study was to analyze the rich experience of a currently undergraduate dental student at Iraqi dental university in the field of operative dentistry.  200 undergraduate students who had experienced CL, DL and BL preclinical education before clinical procedures at the collage of dentistry at Usul AL-Deen University were involved in this survey study in 2021. All the students received the questioner and were encourage participating in the answering. Although not all of them answered all the questions but most of them did and answered the online survey questions that was borne on the effectiveness and the problem of each strategy from their own experience and perception. The survey is comprised with 6 parameters concerning; coast, exams, social consideration, general preference, curriculum, need for improvement. Furthermore, each parameter consists of five question and each question with 3 choices and one of them to be selected either CL, DL, or BL. The data for the number and %of each choice that obtained , analyzed and discussed The following conclusions were withdrawn  Classroom learning; still the most preferable choice for learning though need improvement Distant learning carries some advantages in spite of its shortage and limitation  Blended learning that applied in 2021 that depend mainly on DL with some CL gain no support and satisfaction by the students Implication and feature: The came up with the following predictions and recommendation; The best teaching strategies for the feature is the blended learning that combine CL+DL in a customized % according to the need of the curriculum Tis issue will continue to be area of development and a focus of the researchers even after the subsided of the pandemic The skills of the teaching staff and their knowledge will enhanced and further enriched