In this five-part series, we captured individuals’ experiences in returning to their changed environments.
THE SCHOOL RETURNS Return to in-person, part 1 The University of Alberta and Alberta Health exemption processes to allow our students to learn on-campus were extensive, but ultimately worth it. DDS classes returned in July for Intercession, and both DDS and Dental Hygiene started at the end of August. Any programs applying for exemptions had to prove their safe managing of gathering size limits, physical distancing, and PPE usage. Among other factors, we were required to demonstrate: • How to provide access to closed buildings for the students. • How to develop appropriate group sizes. • How to screen incoming staff and students. • How to deal with anyone who demonstrated symptoms. • What PPE/IPC protocols we would follow. On getting our DDS classes back for the spring and summer semester, Dr. Steven Patterson, Associate Chair (Academic), says, “It was a valuable time for our students. Every day as they met
all the expectations of our new protocols, we heard comments like... ‘It’s so good to be back here.’ ‘Thanks for all the work in preparing this for us.’ ‘I’ve missed being here.’ ‘We know this took a lot of work to plan, and it seems to have gone smoothly.’ “It brought back a semblance of normality in terms of doing what we do — learn hands-on and in-person.” For the Dental Hygiene class starting the last week of August, there were many new factors the faculty had to understand and plan for in order to bring the students back. Dr. Sharon Compton, Associate Chair (Dental
Hygiene), says, “We were able to learn from Dentistry’s successful return to campus in July, and now we all begin implementing our plan with the larger group of learners, faculty and staff.” Compton and Patterson are grateful for everyone’s compliance and hard work in returning students back to the clinic and labs. Compton says, “Further delays would have caused hardship for the students needing to spend the extra time to complete their education before starting their careers.” We look forward to seeing you at the clinic!
Return to in-person continues on page 8.
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