Teaching dentistry in COVID-19 times: concerns about the gradual return to theoretical and clinical activities

Abstract

In December 2019, rumors coming from China about a new disease changed the entirely world as we know it. In Central America, El Salvador declared national emergency on March 14th, 2020 establishing a mandatory quarantine which affected face-to-face activities, including suspension of the entire educational system and dental attendance. Both measures have negative influences on dental schools, who had to move the entire curricula to virtual learning. Based on a review of the available literature, this short communication addresses faculty members and students concerns through core questions and presents a proposal for reopening academic and clinical activities, approaches to prevent contagion and ways to move forward with the consequences of COVID-19.