The positive effect of ECE holds in both randomised and nonrandomised study designs¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · quant-synthesis r3 · q4 · i3 large
Currency · newest study 2026 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q4 i3 Subgroup analysis by design showed positive effects in RCTs (SMD = 1.06) and nonrandomised studies (SMD = 1.37). → Pang Xuefei 2026

Evidence¶

Pang Xuefei 2026¶

Pang Xuefei, Wang Huilin, Li Jinggui, Gui Haijun, Cao Xia, Cai Ming. (2026). The Impact of Early Clinical Exposure on Competency Development in Dental Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Dental Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2026.109483

q4 · i3 · quant-synthesis · r3

Design-based subgroup analysis within the same random-effects meta-analysis. Both design types showed significant positive pooled effects, with very high heterogeneity in each subgroup (I² = 90.9% and 97.8%).

"Results indicated a generally positive trend of ECE in both RCTs (SMD = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.53-1.58, I² = 90.9%, P < .001) and non-RCTs (SMD = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.78-1.97, I² = 97.8%, P < .001)"

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• ECE improves theoretical knowledge, clinical practice performance and self-efficacy, with the largest effect on self-efficacy — related
• All three ECE modalities show significant positive effects, with real clinical interactions showing the largest pooled effect — related
• ECE benefits both junior and senior preclinical dental students, with a larger pooled effect in junior students — related
• ECE effects are significant in Europe and Asia but did not reach statistical significance in the Americas — related