Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the sources of anxiety and stress among dental
students when returning back to training in dental colleges in the era of COVID-19,
with the evaluation of a secure condition for training and practicing without the
risk of contamination.
Materials and Methods A questionnaire was edited in English and distributed to the dental students through
the official site of Al-Farabi Private College/Jeddah/KSA. The questionnaire was assessed
with different parameters: general information of respondents, anxiety and stress
during dental training, importance criteria to be applied by dental college, and exploring
the uses and benefits of e-learning.
Results There were 315 respondents who participated in the study. About 85% participants
feel anxiety and stress to return to the dental college. Theses-fearing expressed
as high level for 63% compared with 2% before COVID-19. Almost 75% had supported the
procedures to be implemented to ensure the safety of the students. About 43% of respondents
agreed to continue e-learning in theoretical part only, 1% for clinical part only,
and 47% in both. Finally, 67% of respondents preferred the use of alternative methods
of learning (Phantom Laboratory) or any simulated teaching aids.
Conclusions A revision of infection control management, improving the working environment, and
learning how to deal with patients in purpose to protect everyone are mandatory to
alleviate student anxiety to return to training in dental colleges.
Keywords
COVID-19 - Air-borne droplets aerosols - anxiety and stress - dental students - severe
acute respiratory syndrome
