Introduction E -learning has become a mandate during the COVID 19 pandemic in almost every school, colleges and universities around the world to prevent the spread of this disease and to return the world to a state of normalcy. While the advantages and disadvantages of this newly adopted system of learning has been well documented, its efficiency in imparting knowledge in fields which require a more hands on approach to education (case in point, medicine, dentistry, etc) is yet to be explored. The aim of this study is to evaluate the dependence of E-learning in COVID 19 pandemic by dental students. Materials and Methods This survey was conducted among dental undergraduate students of a private dental college. A questionnaire was prepared which consisted of questions regarding knowledge of E-learning and it‟s dependency by students to substitute hands-on approach. The data gathered was then tabulated in Microsoft Excel and then imported to IBM SPSS Version 23 for statistical analysis. Results 132 responses were included in the study. 40.2% were IIIrd years, 25% were Ist years, 18.9% were IInd years and 15.9% were IVth years. 42.4% said that their institute introduced E-learning within a week of announcement of lockdown. 71.2% used mobile phones and tablets to participate in E-learning. 65.2% said that they felt more comfortable studying in the comfort of their own houses and it enhanced their learning experiences. Back pain(52.3%), muscle soreness(38.6%), dizziness(27.3%) and watery eyes(22%) were the most common symptoms the students faced after their class work was done. 53.8% thought that E-learning shouldn‟t be adopted as a permanent method of imparting education in the near future. Conclusion The undergraduate dental students seem to be aware of E-learning and are greatly dependent on it to study during the pandemic.

pandemic, COVID 19, learning, education, innovative analysis