Al-Quds University and the University of Dundee have worked in collaboration to create Virtual Clinics for 4th year dental students. Within these clinics, 2-3 students from each university meet online through Zoom. They spend the first part of the clinic getting to know each other in an ‘Ice breaker’ session followed by working together to solve an Oral surgery/Oral medicine case study. The first of these Virtual clinics was implemented in January 2022 with the expectation that at least one clinic per month will be held till the end of the University academic year.
Fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, online platforms have been increasing used for educational purposes. A significant advantage of creating an entirely virtual project, is the reduction in cost. This collaborative project required no funding. Staff volunteered their time and resources used were already present in university infrastructure.
The aim of the virtual clinics is 1) to enhance dental education as students work through a case study in a diverse team, 2) to boost global networking through building connections with colleagues from a different country, and 3) to contribute to the promotion of global oral health as students gain insight into different contexts and practices. Our vision is to create a sustainable collaboration between Al-Quds University and the University of Dundee with the capacity to extend Virtual Clinics regionally whilst implementing new projects.
Prepared by Dr. Susan Khader.