Microscopy without a microscope? Opportunities and limitations of dental studies in anatomy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany

TL;DR

This study evaluates digital teaching formats in dental training during the pandemic and finds that combining digital and classroom methods improves learning outcomes.

Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of blended learning in dental education during the pandemic.

Findings

Students preferred a blended approach combining classroom and digital teaching.

Blended learning cohorts showed significantly better learning success than purely digital ones.

Digital formats introduced during the pandemic show potential for continued use and expansion.

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the microscopy course as part of the dental medical training in Leipzig, Germany, was offered both purely digitally and with reduced attendance time. The reformed regulations on the licensing of dentists (ZApprO; „Approbationsordnung für Zahnärzte und Zahnärztinnen“) now also provide the necessary legal basis for the curricular integration of digital teaching formats. Aim of this study is the detailed evaluation of the relevant courses and the resulting design of modern dental training.

Evaluation is based on the subjective experiences of the students and the learning success objectively measured using a digital assessment course. Data was collected in the form of a trend study in two consecutive years after completion of the second semester.

Students were predominantly positive about the integrated approach, which combines classroom teaching with digital elements. The cohort that completed the course in this form also showed significantly better learning success than the purely digital cohort.

Regardless of the continued importance of practical training in dental studies, digital teaching formats developed as an emergency solution at the beginning of the pandemic should be evaluated with regard to their success and the existing potential should be further expanded in a targeted manner.

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