An assessment of clinical reception training using standard patient and dental simulator in prosthodontic dentistry for dental undergraduates: a historical control trial.

BACKGROUND

Clinical reception training plays a crucial role in developing undergraduates' clinical thinking and competence. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical reception training conducted by standard patients (SPs) and dental simulators among undergraduate students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the first week of the internship, sixty-five 5-year undergraduate students were divided into two groups: SP group, which received traditional theoretical training along with clinical reception training, and control group that only received traditional theoretical training. After 2 weeks and 8 weeks of training, all students were assessed with real patients by experienced prosthodontists using Mini-CEX assessment score sheets. Statistical analysis was performed using independent-samples T test or repeated-measures ANOVA (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

The total performance of interns in the SP group was superior to that of the control group, particularly in history taking, physical examination, and doctor-patient communication (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinical judgement, medical record, and overall capabilities. Both groups showed improved results after 8 weeks compared to those obtained after 2 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Integrating SPs and dental simulators into clinical reception training can effectively enhance undergraduate students' ability in history taking, physical examination, and doctor-patient communication. This training method effectively aids in mastering the reception process and is recommended for wider implementation in dental undergraduate education.