Early preclinical exposure group outperformed late exposure group on theory, OSCE communication, and empathy measures¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · review r2 · q2 · i3 large
Currency · newest study 2026 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i3 Ali et al. found the early preclinical exposure group scored higher on theory (82% vs 76%, d = 1.55), OSCE communication (85% vs 78%, d = 2.15), and empathy (83% vs 75%, d = 2.28) than the late exposure group. → Gadbail AR 2026

Evidence¶

Gadbail AR 2026¶

Gadbail AR, Gondivkar SM, Yuwanati M, Sonone A, Dhamande M, Panchbhai A, Sarode SC. (2026). Early clinical exposure in undergraduate dental education: a systematic review of effectiveness, experiences, and outcomes. BMC Medical Education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-026-08692-z

q2 · i3 · review · r2

The review reports, citing Ali et al., a non-randomized quasi-experimental comparison (n = 150) where "theory mean 82% vs. 76%, p = 0.002, d = 1.55" favoring early preclinical exposure over late exposure.

"Group A showed significantly higher academic performance (theory mean 82% vs. 76%, p = 0.002, d = 1.55), OSCE communication (85% vs. 78%, p = 0.004, d = 2.15), empathy (83% vs. 75%, p = 0.005, d = 2.28)."

Discussion¶

Learner Variables¶

• Social Awareness and Relationship Skills — outcome: instruction changes it

Related Claims¶

• Early clinical exposure improves the clinical skills of medical students compared with traditional teaching — a broader claim this one bears on
• Early clinical exposure is associated with higher empathy scores regardless of gender and academic year — related
• ECE benefits both junior and senior preclinical dental students, with a larger pooled effect in junior students — related