Dental education in the time of SARS-CoV-2

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has forced profound change on all aspects of society, with significant impact on dental education. Dental students like all other dental clinical personnel are considered to be at the highest risk amongst healthcare workers due to the nature of treatment, namely, working in the oral cavity (known reservoir for the virus) and the routine use of aerosol-generating procedures. The nature of this pandemic has created several challenges to dental clinical education. The aim of this paper is to discuss these challenges and how educators have sought to overcome them.

Materials and methods: This paper reviews the evidence base around bio-aerosol and infection control measures specifically in the context of dental education.

Results: Using current knowledge of bio-aerosol and increasing understanding of the virus, dental educators can implement evidence-based measures to ensure safe teaching within both simulation and clinical environments.

Discussion: This paper contextualises the current pandemic in a dental education setting by providing a critical appraisal of the challenges posed by SARS-CoV-2 and how these challenges may be managed.

Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has created unique challenges for dental schools worldwide. Dental educators have sought to identify these challenges and find solutions appropriate to the stage of the pandemic specific to their geographical location.