Amely Hartmann, Sara Steinhoff, Bilal Al-Nawas, Diana Heimes, Peer W Kämmerer
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid shift towards remote learning in dental education, influencing practicing dentists' work-life balance (WLB). This German nationwide questionnaire study, conducted in September 2022, aimed to explore the impact of transitioning to remote learning on the WLB of dentists, considering factors such as gender, parental status and professional roles.
Methods: A voluntary and anonymous online survey involving 672 dentists utilised the 'Trier Short Scale for Measuring Work-Life Balance' (TKS-WLB). Statistical analyses used R, employing descriptive statistics for metric variables and mixed models for group comparisons. Post hoc analyses utilised t-tests.
Results: Overall, participants reported an enhanced WLB post-transition. Gender disparities were observed, with men consistently experiencing better balance than women. The primary motivator for online training participation was the reduction of travel-related challenges, cited by 92% of respondents. Notably, 52.8% faced no issues with the transition, and 55.5% found online training to complement in-person events effectively. Women (71.8%) and participants with children (73.2%) expressed a preference for future asynchronous online training opportunities.
Conclusions: This study underscores the positive impact of remote learning on the WLB of dentists, extending beyond the pandemic's challenges. Innovative online training programs, particularly beneficial for women and those with family commitments, have the potential to reshape dental education.
期刊介绍:
The aim of the European Journal of Dental Education is to publish original topical and review articles of the highest quality in the field of Dental Education. The Journal seeks to disseminate widely the latest information on curriculum development teaching methodologies assessment techniques and quality assurance in the fields of dental undergraduate and postgraduate education and dental auxiliary personnel training. The scope includes the dental educational aspects of the basic medical sciences the behavioural sciences the interface with medical education information technology and distance learning and educational audit. Papers embodying the results of high-quality educational research of relevance to dentistry are particularly encouraged as are evidence-based reports of novel and established educational programmes and their outcomes.