IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON DENTAL HYGIENIST STUDENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Objectives:This study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID‐19 on dental hygienist student trainee in Saudi Arabia. And To explore the phycological impact as well as assess the quality of learning process among dental hygiene students.Methods:Online survey will administrate to dental hygienists (students in level5-6 & 7-8 ) as well as internships students. The survey includes questions about student demographics, student perceptions of institutional responses, student concerns, and psychological impacts.Result:The study recruited 61 participants in total from 4 different universities in the country. The results alsoshowed that the students had a high level of concern for their safety from the pandemic’s infection. They generally believed that they were at higher risk of infection from the patient population than those of their colleagues and staff with whom they will interact within their classes and across university buildings.Conclusion:more needs to be done to help students adjust to the impact of the pandemic by restoring their faith in the educational system through dialogue and a collaborative approach to improve the level of education provided within the educational system. The government should also show that there are concrete plans to support the economy and future job prospects of medical students in the country.