IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON DENTAL PRACTICE AND DENTAL EDUCATION: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

COVID-19, Dental Practice and Education

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective review of articles on COVID-19 pandemic is to assess its impact on dentistry as a profession and dental education. Recent study from 2019 till 2022 on COVID-19 pandemic, published in PubMed, PMC free article, BMJ oral health, Journal of Orthodontic Sciences (JOS), Web of Science such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC) were searched. The situation report of the pandemic, and it's impact on the clinical and educational system of dentistry in Nigeria was reviewed.  Studies were analyzed for this review. Nigerian Orthodontists and residents perceived that they had adequate general knowledge of COVID-19, but the pandemic had affected their economic, psychosocial, and social lives. The study of dysfunctional COVID-19 related anxiety among Orthodontists and Orthodontic residents found a low prevalence of dysfunctional COVID-19- related anxiety symptoms, with males having higher anxiety scores than females. Majority of Nigerian dental therapists experienced anxiety because of COVID-19 pandemic. Although Nigerian dental students had a good perception and positive attitude towards infection control practices against COVID-19, they were not abreast of current updates on COVID-19, particularly the confirmed case definition and less common symptoms. They however were willing to make significant contributions in the response to COVID-19 as volunteers.