Integrate ECE into dental curricula through hybrid models balancing simulation and real patient contact¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 5 claims (5 for) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 1 of 1 report an effect size · 5 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The review recommends that curriculum integration of ECE proceed "through hybrid models that balance simulation and real patient contact opportunities" as a feasible path for preparing dental professionals. It further suggests that blends of simulation, early patient contact, peer learning, faculty development, and guided support enable sustainable implementation, and that structured curricular integration with defined outcomes and assessments is necessary.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Structured curriculum integration with defined outcomes and assessments
• Faculty development and guided support

Constraints¶

• RCT and multicentre designs may not be scalable across institutions with separate curricula, per the review's discussion

Target Learners¶

• Undergraduate dental students

Target Learning Goals¶

• Clinical competence
• Confidence
• Patient-centered care

Claims¶

• Simulation with patient-specific 3D-printed teeth improved crown preparation quality versus traditional patient care [+W]
• Early clinical exposure in undergraduate dental education shows evidence of effectiveness in knowledge, psychomotor skills, and affective domains [+W]
• ECE reduces transition stress from preclinical to clinical training and supports smoother student transition [+W]
• Early preclinical exposure group outperformed late exposure group on theory, OSCE communication, and empathy measures [+W]
• Peer-assisted ECE produced higher post-test knowledge and OSPE scores than faculty-assisted ECE in one randomized trial [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Tiered ECE implementation: virtual and case-based learning first, then simulated patient interaction, then supervised real patient contact
• Use virtual simulations to enhance cognitive learning while prioritizing in-person laboratory sessions for psychomotor and technical skills
• Integrate high-quality, high-fidelity simulation-based learning into endocrinology curricula alongside traditional methods

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• 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