COVID-19: Training disruption and opportunities experienced by UK paediatric dentistry trainees

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the delivery of routine dental services in the UK. Reduced face-to-face clinical activity has resulted in reduced availability of tertiary specialist services. The impact of the pandemic on medical trainees has been explored but there is limited literature regarding dental trainees. A blended questionnaire was designed, pre-piloted and administered as an online anonymous survey. Following pre-notification, this was administered to paediatric dentistry trainees for a three-week period. Quantitative data underwent descriptive statistics and qualitative data were subject to thematic analysis. The response rate was 63% (n=35). Two respondents were out of programme. Outpatient clinics and treatment with local anaesthesia were the most disrupted aspects of training. Academic training was less disrupted than clinical training. Thematic analysis found three key themes: personality and personal circumstance, colleagues and workplace, and changes to clinical and academic activity. Trainees perceptions ranged from optimistic to pessimistic, with many trainees identifying opportunities they had gained while others perceived none. This survey shows variation in training disruption and opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings support anecdotal evidence and results emerging from trainees in medicine. Further surveys should be administered as the pandemic progresses and these should include other dental specialties.