New Rules for Teaching in Dental Schools in the COVID-19 Era

The crisis caused by COVID-19 has led to the development of strategies for adapting the undergraduate and postgraduate teaching of dentistry to the new situation, as well as guaranteeing the safety of all staff, students, patients and persons accompanying them.We reviewed a total of 36 documents, including articles and guidelines or recommendations issued by dental schools, scientific societies and other institutions, in order to take stock of the current evidence available about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental schools. Additional training is required in the management of infectious diseases and the prevention of their transmission. Dental schools must be prepared and implement the necessary measures according to the level of infection risk during face-to-face activities, especially in clinics, while guaranteeing quality teaching and allowing research to be carried out. Adapting teaching to new technologies is essential for the development of non-classroom training, as is conducting questionnaires that collect information on crisis management and assessing the stress level of students, faculty and other staff. The incorporation of new technologies in both training and assessment reduces the chances of contagion and enhances student autonomy. Distance learning competencies must be clear to students and be included in the description of the academic programme. We must not forget that the primary objective of teaching is for students to acquire the necessary skills for their profession. More than ever, the international cooperation of universities in the elaboration of protocols is essential. These protocols must ensure the health of everyone in this pandemic and in possible future scenarios. We must transform this crisis into an opportunity that will revolutionize dental education.