ABSTRACT
Objective:
To evaluate Indian dental students' perception of seeking international dental higher education during COVID-19.
Material and Methods:
We conducted an online survey among the dental students. A self-administered questionnaire was prepared, which had information on country choice, reasons for the decision to study abroad, measures to be taken by the foreign universities because of COVID-19, the application's status, current plan, and opinions on exploring other possibilities.
Results:
Four hundred students constituted the final sample, out of which the majority were females (69.3%). Most of the students were not sure about their status in the application process (63%). The current plan to study abroad remained uncertain for almost half of the students (50.2%). Concerning the status of the application process, a significantly higher number of female students were "not sure" and are still "searching colleges" (p<0.001). Similarly, a higher number of females were "uncertain" or "postponed" or "canceled" when compared to the males concerning the current plan to study abroad (p=0.001). Also, a significantly higher proportion of female students cited the study budget as the main deterrent for pursuing a career abroad and opined that "flexible study options" will help them get admissions post-COVID-19 (p=0.001 and 0.035).
Conclusion:
A substantial impact was perceived by Indian dental students concerning higher education abroad, more among females.
Keywords:
COVID-19; Education, Dental, Graduate; Self Concept