Evaluation of a student telehealth rotation at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the impact of a telehealth rotation on the perceived benefits and challenges of telehealth use among third-year dental students at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM).MethodsA newly implemented weeklong telehealth rotation at CDM engaged all 95 third-year dental students from the 2022 graduating class through assigned readings and virtual interaction with patients. The telehealth rotation involves virtual visits with patients for screening and triage. An ongoing retrospective assessment of the students' post-rotation evaluation was analyzed qualitatively to identify emerging themes and was coded to describe students' attitudes and beliefs about telehealth.ResultsStudents reported that the greatest benefit of telehealth is logistical convenience, while the greatest challenge to telehealth is related to the use of technology. After the telehealth rotation, students reported improvement in their clinically relevant skills and knowledge, including patient education, facilitating access to care, and communication skills.ConclusionsThe skills reported by students as the most important learning takeaway from the telehealth rotation are applicable to many aspects of care delivery, beyond the scope of telehealth. The incorporation of telehealth education into dental curricula allows students to improve essential clinically relevant skills and knowledge beyond the procedural skills emphasized during in-person patient appointments.