Impact of COVID-19 on Orthodontic Education in Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Programs in the United States

Vakili, Ava; Chaffee, Benjamin W.; Oberoi, Snehlata

Introduction The aim of the study was to characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on predoctoral and postdoctoral orthodontic education. Methods Electronic surveys were distributed via email to predoctoral orthodontic directors at accredited dental schools (n=66), postgraduate orthodontic program directors at orthodontic programs (n=73), and craniofacial orthodontic fellowship directors (n=5) in the United States and Canada. Results The predoctoral orthodontic survey received a response rate of 38%, of the which 62% indicated significant curriculum modifications. However, orthodontic curriculum hours were largely unchanged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the responding predoctoral orthodontic programs that had graduate orthodontic programs where dental students can gain clinical experience (n=14), all but two reported not allowing or limiting observation or assisting opportunities. The postdoctoral orthodontic survey received a response rate of 39% and were affected by clinic modifications including financial limitations, SARS-CoV-2 testing, decreased clinical hours, among other modifications. Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic has had a measurable impact on orthodontic clinical education for the predoctoral and postdoctoral orthodontic programs evaluated. Overall, less patient care was delivered, potentially resulting in delayed treatment for patients and fewer training opportunities for learners, particularly for predoctoral dental students, whose clinical observation and assisting hours were limited.