DENTISTRY EDUCATION PECULIARITIES AND TEACHING METHODOLOGY IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The article discusses the issue of organization of education in higher educational institutions, particularly in the field of dentistry, and its peculiarities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The analyzes and studies made for this purpose determine the novelty of the article. COVID-19 was a global significant challenge for healthcare professionals, educational institutions, instructors and students. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused trouble in the field of dentistry, both in clinical practice and in education. However, technological capabilities currently allow upgrading teaching methods through the introduction of digital concepts and making distance learning, or online education possible. The COVID-19 crisis also showed that universities appeared not to be ready for a drastic change in teaching methods. Moreover, education around the world used to underestimate the innovative technologies and potential of the Internet in education. The pandemic forced us to reevaluate the methodology of organizing education and apply new tools in this field. In addition, proper application of the methods helps overcome the stress caused by COVID-19. Although remote education is incomplete, it is still foremost solution to provide education in the current situation. The difficulties, arose in clinical practice, were later overcome by introducing online and offline hybrid teaching mode.