Abstract
The aim of this research was to explore qualitatively the perceived impact of COVID 19 pandemic on final year Dental Hygiene and Therapy (DHT) students’ mental well-being using the data collection method of focus groups.
One pilot study and two focus groups were conducted on second year and final year DHT students from Peninsula Dental School at the University of Plymouth. Each focus group was transcribed with Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six step systematic framework of thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three themes were identified including stress, pandemic behaviours and perceptions of the University.
The overall conclusion of the research was that COVID 19 did have an impact on the DHT students’ mental wellbeing. The stress from worry over missing clinic caused anxiety within both cohorts of students, which was compounded in the final year students by the requirement to meet minimum clinical requirements set down by the GDC and complete exit cases summative assessments.
However, it must be noted that there were pre-existing levels of moderate depression and anxiety reported within the UK dental and DHT student population (Plessas et al, 2021), therefore it cannot be concluded that the COVID 19 pandemic was the sole cause of stress and anxiety to the students. However, what is evident is that the COVID 19 pandemic compounded the existing stress levels of the DHT student population both directly and indirectly.
Additionally, the research also demonstrated that the students had confidence and trust in the Universities protocols that were implemented during the pandemic. They felt safe when attending the university and whilst treating patients on the clinic. They felt supported in the final year by clinical supervisors, university staff, student and pastoral services.
One pilot study and two focus groups were conducted on second year and final year DHT students from Peninsula Dental School at the University of Plymouth. Each focus group was transcribed with Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six step systematic framework of thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three themes were identified including stress, pandemic behaviours and perceptions of the University.
The overall conclusion of the research was that COVID 19 did have an impact on the DHT students’ mental wellbeing. The stress from worry over missing clinic caused anxiety within both cohorts of students, which was compounded in the final year students by the requirement to meet minimum clinical requirements set down by the GDC and complete exit cases summative assessments.
However, it must be noted that there were pre-existing levels of moderate depression and anxiety reported within the UK dental and DHT student population (Plessas et al, 2021), therefore it cannot be concluded that the COVID 19 pandemic was the sole cause of stress and anxiety to the students. However, what is evident is that the COVID 19 pandemic compounded the existing stress levels of the DHT student population both directly and indirectly.
Additionally, the research also demonstrated that the students had confidence and trust in the Universities protocols that were implemented during the pandemic. They felt safe when attending the university and whilst treating patients on the clinic. They felt supported in the final year by clinical supervisors, university staff, student and pastoral services.
Original language | English |
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Type | Previously Awarded ResM |
Publication status | Published - 29 Jun 2023 |