Attitude of dental interns, final year and third-year students towards their involvement in hospital work during COVID-19 pandemic in private dental colleges in Vidarbha, India

Background: because of the ongoing pandemic, dental education is severely affected. Even though as in every other field teachers have taken to virtual education, but in dentistry, no virtual lectures can even come close to the experience gained by students while practicing on patients. This study aims to evaluate student’s attitudes regarding their involvement in hospital work at the time of the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and how it might impact their confidence and preparedness in the future. Method: A validated questionnaire was circulated online among the students of five dental colleges of Vidarbha who have suspended all student activities on the campus of their college including internship. A total of 711 students responded. Result: out of 711 students 52.9% of students are highly motivated to work in the hospital. However 52.7% are afraid of getting infected by the COVID-19 virus while working in the hospital, and 78.6% are worried that their loved ones can get infected because of them. 62% of students feel that they are less prepared for next year as they have no learned substantially in the last 6 months. Conclusion: as the majority of students are highly motivated to work, private colleges should resume internships. This will benefit students as well as patients. Colleges should also consider calling in final year students in reduced batches, and allow them to assist or observe clinicians maintaining all precautionary protocols.