ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Coronavirus pandemic has caused unpredictable changes in dental education and healthcare system worldwide. In March and April 2020 due to the COVID - 19 outbreak, University of Dental medicine Zagreb, Croatia, temporary closed its door to its students. However, theoretical parts of the curriculum were held online, but practical training was canceled to reduce the risk of infection. This research aimed to assess student's attitudes and perception towards importance of practical training and their preparedness for the work as a clinician. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online survey on a population of undergraduate students enrolled in academic year 2019/20. Results: 352 students participated and completed the survey. 186 students (65%) were students who were supposed to start clinical courses of which 52 (14.3%) were students of the last year of the school. The loss of clinical courses in summer semester of the academic year 2019/20 will not affect preparedness and self-confidence when working with patients in only 5.2% students of 4th and 5th year. Regardless of the extraordinary period caused by the pandemic, 56.7% students of 4th and 5th year and 46.2% students of the last year are looking forward to start clinical courses and work with patients. However, fear and discomfort with regards to start to work with patients at a time of a pandemic felt 9.6% students of the last year. Conclusions: Practical courses that were canceled because of emergency measures impacted on all of students, especially the ones who were about to start with clinical work. Although practical skills are trained on mannequins as well, working with patients is irreplaceable part of education for future dentists.