*Result*: Computer-based case simulations enhances clinical reasoning skills of non-dental medical students as measured by mini-CEX.
Title:
Computer-based case simulations enhances clinical reasoning skills of non-dental medical students as measured by mini-CEX.
Authors:
Zeng J; Department of Stomatology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China., Geng Y; Department of Stomatology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China., Zhang J; Department of Stomatology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China., Liu C; Department of Stomatology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China., Liu X; Department of Stomatology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China., Shen X; Department of Stomatology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China., Lv X; Department of Stomatology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, China., Zhou X; Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction & Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China. 740768956@qq.com.
Source:
BMC medical education [BMC Med Educ] 2026 Jan 29; Vol. 26 (1). Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jan 29.
Publication Type:
Journal Article
Language:
English
Journal Info:
Publisher: BioMed Central Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101088679 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1472-6920 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 14726920 NLM ISO Abbreviation: BMC Med Educ Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s):
Original Publication: London : BioMed Central, [2001-
MeSH Terms:
References:
Huh Y, Yoo JE, Park SH, Han K, Kim SM, Park HS, Cho KH, Ahn JS, Jun SH, Nam GE. Association of dental diseases and oral hygiene care with the risk of heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes: A nationwide cohort study. J Am Heart Association. 2023;12(16):e029207. (PMID: 10.1161/JAHA.122.029207)
Bezamat M, Saeed A, McKennan C, Duan J, Zhou R, Baxter DJ, Liu L, Las Fuentes L, Foxman B, Shaffer JR, et al. Oral disease and atherosclerosis May be associated with overlapping metabolic pathways. JDR Clin Translational Res. 2025;10(3):315–23. (PMID: 10.1177/23800844241280383)
Ni J, Chen L, Zhong S, Chai Q, Zhang L, Wang D, Li S, Zhang J. Influence of periodontitis and scaling and root planing on insulin resistance and hepatic CD36 in obese rats. J Periodontol. 2018;89(4):476–85. (PMID: 10.1002/JPER.17-0115)
Tachibana M, Yonemoto Y, Okamura K, Suto T, Sakane H, Kaneko T, Dam TT, Okura C, Tajika T, Tsushima Y, et al. Does periodontitis affect the treatment response of biologics in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis? Arthritis Res Therapy. 2020;22(1):178. (PMID: 10.1186/s13075-020-02269-x)
Couceiro J, Família C, Brito J, Mendes JJ, Baptista PV, Fernandes AR, Quintas A. Shared inflammatory genetic susceptibility underlying spontaneous preterm birth and periodontitis: A Case-Control study. J Clin Med. 2025;14(17):6195.
Kucharski R, Sobocki BK, Stachowska E, Bulman N, Kalinowski L, Kaźmierczak-Siedlecka K. Dental problems and oral Microbiome alterations in ulcerative colitis. Front Immunol. 2025;16:1502605. (PMID: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1502605)
Watson EE, Metcalfe JE, Kreher MR, Maxymiw WG, Glogauer M, Schimmer AD. Screening for dental infections achieves 6-Fold reduction in dental emergencies during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia. JCO Oncol Pract. 2020;16(11):e1397–405. (PMID: 10.1200/OP.20.00107)
Zeng J, Jia N, Ji C, Zhong S, Chai Q, Zou C, Chen L. Plaque control alleviated renal damage that was aggravated by experimental periodontitis in obese rats. Oral Dis. 2022;28(4):1228–39. (PMID: 10.1111/odi.13813)
Buchanan JA. Use of simulation technology in dental education. J Dent Educ. 2001;65(11):1225–31. (PMID: 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2001.65.11.tb03481.x)
Al-Jundi SH, Ei Shahawy OI, Nazzal H. Paediatric dentistry undergraduate education across dental schools in the Arabian region: a cross-sectional study. Eur Archives Pediatr Dentistry: Official J Eur Acad Pediatr Dentistry. 2021;22(5):969–77. (PMID: 10.1007/s40368-021-00656-9)
Singh V, Vidya B, Jameela RV, Bipinchandra LN, Bordoloi P, Srivastav M. The impact of virtual Reality-Based simulation training on dental students’ clinical skills and confidence. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024;16(Suppl 4):S3740–2.
Chmar JE, Weaver RG, Valachovic RW. Dental school vacant budgeted faculty positions: academic year 2004-05. J Dent Educ. 2006;70(2):188–98. (PMID: 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2006.70.2.tb04075.x)
Hu J, Wang X, Chen R, Lu G, Zhang M, Huang X. Use of virtual simulation for regenerative endodontic training: randomized controlled trial. BMC Med Educ. 2025;25(1):254. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-025-06808-5)
Engel GL. The need for a new medical model: a challenge for biomedicine. Sci (New York NY). 1977;196(4286):129–36. (PMID: 10.1126/science.847460)
Ma YC, Jiang JL, Lin YC. The Outcome-Present state test model of clinical reasoning to promote critical thinking in psychiatric nursing practice among nursing students: A mixed research study. Healthc (Basel Switzerland). 2023;11(4):545.
Güven ŞD, Calpbinici P, Kuzgun H, Çelik GK. Does writing patient care daily effects on critical thinking? A pilot study with 1st year nursing students. Think Skills Creativity. 2020;35:100638. (PMID: 10.1016/j.tsc.2020.100638)
Gharib AM, Bindoff IK, Peterson GM, Salahudeen MS. Computer-Based simulators in pharmacy practice education: A systematic narrative review. Pharm (Basel Switzerland). 2023;11(1):8.
Ward RC, Muckle TJ, Kremer MJ, Krogh MA. Computer-Based case simulations for assessment in health care: A literature review of validity evidence. Eval Health Prof. 2019;42(1):82–102. (PMID: 10.1177/0163278717718609)
Gharib AM, Bindoff IK, Peterson GM, Salahudeen MS. Exploring global perspectives on the use of computer-based simulation in pharmacy education: a survey of students and educators. Front Pharmacol. 2024;15:1494569. (PMID: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1494569)
Costabile M, Caruso C, Della Vedova C, Bailey S, Mahdi L. Leveraging computer-based simulations and immersive software technologies for enhanced student learning in laboratory medicine. Adv Physiol Educ. 2025;49(6):338–51. (PMID: 10.1152/advan.00128.2024)
Jeddi FR, Momen-Heravi M, Farrahi R, Nabovati E, Akbari H, Khodabandeh ME. Computer case-based reasoning simulation versus traditional lectures for medical interns teaching of diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infection: a comparative quasi-experimental study. BMC Med Educ. 2024;24(1):1463. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-024-06453-4)
Phanudulkitti C, Puengrung S, Meepong R, Vanderboll K, Farris KB, Vordenberg SE. A systematic review on the use of virtual patient and computer-based simulation for experiential pharmacy education. Exploratory Res Clin Social Pharm. 2023;11:100316. (PMID: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100316)
Benedict N, Schonder K. Patient simulation software to augment an advanced pharmaceutics course. Am J Pharm Educ. 2011;75(2):21. (PMID: 10.5688/ajpe75221)
Wang Y, Chen G, Chen J, Jiang FJBME. Application of Mini-CEX combined with DOPS in standardized training of community outpatient residents. BMC Med Educ. 2024;24(1):780. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-024-05739-x)
Niu L, Mei Y, Xu X, Guo Y, Li Z, Dong S, Liu R. A novel strategy combining Mini-CEX and OSCE to assess standardized training of professional postgraduates in department of prosthodontics. BMC Med Educ. 2022;22(1):888. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-022-03956-w)
Jiong MS, Huiyong ZHU, Wenquan ZHAO, Tingwei BAO. Application of Mini-CEX assessment in the training of dental students’ doctor-patient communication. Continuing Med Educ. 2022;36(04):37–40. (in Chinese).
Baeten M, Dochy F, Struyven K, Parmentier E, Vanderbruggen A. Student-centred learning environments: an investigation into student teachers’ instructional preferences and approaches to learning. Learn Environ Res. 2016;19(1):43–62. (PMID: 10.1007/s10984-015-9190-5)
Mengyu Z. Application of new teaching mode for medical students during clinical clerkship in the department of stomatology. J Snake. 2023;35(03):422–4. (in Chinese).
Chen Guangsheng WW. Application of stomatology case database in stomatology noviciate teaching for clinical medical undergraduates. J Qiqihar Univ Med. 2016;37(14):1845–6. (in Chinese).
Cuevas-Nunez MC, Pulido MT, Harpe S, Stein AB, Lempicki K. Assessment of communication and physical exam skills: A comparison of students, faculty and standardized patients. J Dent Educ. 2022;86(7):853–62. (PMID: 10.1002/jdd.12892)
Anders PL, Scherer YK, Hatton M, Antonson D, Austin-Ketch T, Campbell-Heider N. Using standardized patients to teach interprofessional competencies to dental students. J Dent Educ. 2016;80(1):65–72. (PMID: 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2016.80.1.tb06059.x)
García-Seoane JJ, Ramos-Rincón JM, Lara-Muñoz JP. Changes in the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) of university schools of medicine during COVID-19. Experience with a computer-based case simulation OSCE (CCS-OSCE). Rev Clin Esp. 2021;221(8):456–63. (PMID: 10.1016/j.rce.2021.01.004)
Bing SONG. Analysis of the role of computer simulated cases in clinical ability training. China Continuing Med Educ. 2019;11(17):14–6. (in Chinese).
Zhongyang HU, Ding SZLIU. Application of a new mode combining Computer-Based case simulation with SimMan patient simulators on the teaching of neurology. China Continuing Med Educ. 2016;8(29):9–11. (in Chinese).
Gredes T, Pricop-Jeckstadt M, Mereti E, Botzenhart U. Survey of student attitudes toward digital technology in practical technical dental education using the AR-Demonstrator-App. J Dent Educ. 2022;86(1):12–20. (PMID: 10.1002/jdd.12783)
Allaire JL. Assessing critical thinking outcomes of dental hygiene students utilizing virtual patient simulation: A mixed methods study. J Dent Educ. 2015;79(9):1082–92. (PMID: 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2015.79.9.tb06002.x)
Kolb DA. Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Pearson Education): Pearson Education; 2015.
Norcini JJ, Blank LL, Arnold GK, Kimball HR. The mini-CEX (clinical evaluation exercise): a preliminary investigation. Ann Intern Med. 1995;123(10):795–9. (PMID: 10.7326/0003-4819-123-10-199511150-00008)
LI Hui ZH, Wenjie WANG, Xueling WANG, Xiaozhen WU. Application of Mini-CEX combined with DOPS in standardized training of dental residents. China Continuing Med Educ. 2022;14(09):106–11. (in Chinese).
Martinsen SSS, Espeland T, Berg EAR, Samstad E, Lillebo B, Slørdahl TS. Examining the educational impact of the mini-CEX: a randomised controlled study. BMC Med Educ. 2021;21(1):228. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-021-02670-3)
Motefakker S, Shirinabadi Farahani A, Nourian M, Nasiri M, Heydari F. The impact of the evaluations made by Mini-CEX on the clinical competency of nursing students. BMC Med Educ. 2022;22(1):634. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-022-03667-2)
Holmboe ES, Huot S, Chung J, Norcini J, Hawkins RE. Construct validity of the miniclinical evaluation exercise (miniCEX). Acad Medicine: J Association Am Med Colleges. 2003;78(8):826–30. (PMID: 10.1097/00001888-200308000-00018)
Al-Jewair T, Kumar S. Review and application of the Mini-Clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX) in advanced orthodontic education: A pilot study. J Dent Educ. 2019;83(11):1332–8. (PMID: 10.21815/JDE.019.131)
Yao Y, Yang G, Li X, Li Y, Zhou J, Hong Y, Yang L, Zhao Y. An assessment of clinical reception training using standard patient and dental simulator in prosthodontic dentistry for dental undergraduates: a historical control trial. BMC Med Educ. 2024;24(1):1537. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-024-06563-z)
Bock A, Peters F, Elvers D, Wittenborn J, Kniha K, Gerressen M, Hölzle F, Modabber A. Introduction of mini-clinical evaluation exercise in teaching dental radiology-A pilot study. Eur J Dent Education: Official J Association Dent Educ Europe. 2020;24(4):695–705. (PMID: 10.1111/eje.12558)
Bezamat M, Saeed A, McKennan C, Duan J, Zhou R, Baxter DJ, Liu L, Las Fuentes L, Foxman B, Shaffer JR, et al. Oral disease and atherosclerosis May be associated with overlapping metabolic pathways. JDR Clin Translational Res. 2025;10(3):315–23. (PMID: 10.1177/23800844241280383)
Ni J, Chen L, Zhong S, Chai Q, Zhang L, Wang D, Li S, Zhang J. Influence of periodontitis and scaling and root planing on insulin resistance and hepatic CD36 in obese rats. J Periodontol. 2018;89(4):476–85. (PMID: 10.1002/JPER.17-0115)
Tachibana M, Yonemoto Y, Okamura K, Suto T, Sakane H, Kaneko T, Dam TT, Okura C, Tajika T, Tsushima Y, et al. Does periodontitis affect the treatment response of biologics in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis? Arthritis Res Therapy. 2020;22(1):178. (PMID: 10.1186/s13075-020-02269-x)
Couceiro J, Família C, Brito J, Mendes JJ, Baptista PV, Fernandes AR, Quintas A. Shared inflammatory genetic susceptibility underlying spontaneous preterm birth and periodontitis: A Case-Control study. J Clin Med. 2025;14(17):6195.
Kucharski R, Sobocki BK, Stachowska E, Bulman N, Kalinowski L, Kaźmierczak-Siedlecka K. Dental problems and oral Microbiome alterations in ulcerative colitis. Front Immunol. 2025;16:1502605. (PMID: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1502605)
Watson EE, Metcalfe JE, Kreher MR, Maxymiw WG, Glogauer M, Schimmer AD. Screening for dental infections achieves 6-Fold reduction in dental emergencies during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia. JCO Oncol Pract. 2020;16(11):e1397–405. (PMID: 10.1200/OP.20.00107)
Zeng J, Jia N, Ji C, Zhong S, Chai Q, Zou C, Chen L. Plaque control alleviated renal damage that was aggravated by experimental periodontitis in obese rats. Oral Dis. 2022;28(4):1228–39. (PMID: 10.1111/odi.13813)
Buchanan JA. Use of simulation technology in dental education. J Dent Educ. 2001;65(11):1225–31. (PMID: 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2001.65.11.tb03481.x)
Al-Jundi SH, Ei Shahawy OI, Nazzal H. Paediatric dentistry undergraduate education across dental schools in the Arabian region: a cross-sectional study. Eur Archives Pediatr Dentistry: Official J Eur Acad Pediatr Dentistry. 2021;22(5):969–77. (PMID: 10.1007/s40368-021-00656-9)
Singh V, Vidya B, Jameela RV, Bipinchandra LN, Bordoloi P, Srivastav M. The impact of virtual Reality-Based simulation training on dental students’ clinical skills and confidence. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024;16(Suppl 4):S3740–2.
Chmar JE, Weaver RG, Valachovic RW. Dental school vacant budgeted faculty positions: academic year 2004-05. J Dent Educ. 2006;70(2):188–98. (PMID: 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2006.70.2.tb04075.x)
Hu J, Wang X, Chen R, Lu G, Zhang M, Huang X. Use of virtual simulation for regenerative endodontic training: randomized controlled trial. BMC Med Educ. 2025;25(1):254. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-025-06808-5)
Engel GL. The need for a new medical model: a challenge for biomedicine. Sci (New York NY). 1977;196(4286):129–36. (PMID: 10.1126/science.847460)
Ma YC, Jiang JL, Lin YC. The Outcome-Present state test model of clinical reasoning to promote critical thinking in psychiatric nursing practice among nursing students: A mixed research study. Healthc (Basel Switzerland). 2023;11(4):545.
Güven ŞD, Calpbinici P, Kuzgun H, Çelik GK. Does writing patient care daily effects on critical thinking? A pilot study with 1st year nursing students. Think Skills Creativity. 2020;35:100638. (PMID: 10.1016/j.tsc.2020.100638)
Gharib AM, Bindoff IK, Peterson GM, Salahudeen MS. Computer-Based simulators in pharmacy practice education: A systematic narrative review. Pharm (Basel Switzerland). 2023;11(1):8.
Ward RC, Muckle TJ, Kremer MJ, Krogh MA. Computer-Based case simulations for assessment in health care: A literature review of validity evidence. Eval Health Prof. 2019;42(1):82–102. (PMID: 10.1177/0163278717718609)
Gharib AM, Bindoff IK, Peterson GM, Salahudeen MS. Exploring global perspectives on the use of computer-based simulation in pharmacy education: a survey of students and educators. Front Pharmacol. 2024;15:1494569. (PMID: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1494569)
Costabile M, Caruso C, Della Vedova C, Bailey S, Mahdi L. Leveraging computer-based simulations and immersive software technologies for enhanced student learning in laboratory medicine. Adv Physiol Educ. 2025;49(6):338–51. (PMID: 10.1152/advan.00128.2024)
Jeddi FR, Momen-Heravi M, Farrahi R, Nabovati E, Akbari H, Khodabandeh ME. Computer case-based reasoning simulation versus traditional lectures for medical interns teaching of diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infection: a comparative quasi-experimental study. BMC Med Educ. 2024;24(1):1463. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-024-06453-4)
Phanudulkitti C, Puengrung S, Meepong R, Vanderboll K, Farris KB, Vordenberg SE. A systematic review on the use of virtual patient and computer-based simulation for experiential pharmacy education. Exploratory Res Clin Social Pharm. 2023;11:100316. (PMID: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2023.100316)
Benedict N, Schonder K. Patient simulation software to augment an advanced pharmaceutics course. Am J Pharm Educ. 2011;75(2):21. (PMID: 10.5688/ajpe75221)
Wang Y, Chen G, Chen J, Jiang FJBME. Application of Mini-CEX combined with DOPS in standardized training of community outpatient residents. BMC Med Educ. 2024;24(1):780. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-024-05739-x)
Niu L, Mei Y, Xu X, Guo Y, Li Z, Dong S, Liu R. A novel strategy combining Mini-CEX and OSCE to assess standardized training of professional postgraduates in department of prosthodontics. BMC Med Educ. 2022;22(1):888. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-022-03956-w)
Jiong MS, Huiyong ZHU, Wenquan ZHAO, Tingwei BAO. Application of Mini-CEX assessment in the training of dental students’ doctor-patient communication. Continuing Med Educ. 2022;36(04):37–40. (in Chinese).
Baeten M, Dochy F, Struyven K, Parmentier E, Vanderbruggen A. Student-centred learning environments: an investigation into student teachers’ instructional preferences and approaches to learning. Learn Environ Res. 2016;19(1):43–62. (PMID: 10.1007/s10984-015-9190-5)
Mengyu Z. Application of new teaching mode for medical students during clinical clerkship in the department of stomatology. J Snake. 2023;35(03):422–4. (in Chinese).
Chen Guangsheng WW. Application of stomatology case database in stomatology noviciate teaching for clinical medical undergraduates. J Qiqihar Univ Med. 2016;37(14):1845–6. (in Chinese).
Cuevas-Nunez MC, Pulido MT, Harpe S, Stein AB, Lempicki K. Assessment of communication and physical exam skills: A comparison of students, faculty and standardized patients. J Dent Educ. 2022;86(7):853–62. (PMID: 10.1002/jdd.12892)
Anders PL, Scherer YK, Hatton M, Antonson D, Austin-Ketch T, Campbell-Heider N. Using standardized patients to teach interprofessional competencies to dental students. J Dent Educ. 2016;80(1):65–72. (PMID: 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2016.80.1.tb06059.x)
García-Seoane JJ, Ramos-Rincón JM, Lara-Muñoz JP. Changes in the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) of university schools of medicine during COVID-19. Experience with a computer-based case simulation OSCE (CCS-OSCE). Rev Clin Esp. 2021;221(8):456–63. (PMID: 10.1016/j.rce.2021.01.004)
Bing SONG. Analysis of the role of computer simulated cases in clinical ability training. China Continuing Med Educ. 2019;11(17):14–6. (in Chinese).
Zhongyang HU, Ding SZLIU. Application of a new mode combining Computer-Based case simulation with SimMan patient simulators on the teaching of neurology. China Continuing Med Educ. 2016;8(29):9–11. (in Chinese).
Gredes T, Pricop-Jeckstadt M, Mereti E, Botzenhart U. Survey of student attitudes toward digital technology in practical technical dental education using the AR-Demonstrator-App. J Dent Educ. 2022;86(1):12–20. (PMID: 10.1002/jdd.12783)
Allaire JL. Assessing critical thinking outcomes of dental hygiene students utilizing virtual patient simulation: A mixed methods study. J Dent Educ. 2015;79(9):1082–92. (PMID: 10.1002/j.0022-0337.2015.79.9.tb06002.x)
Kolb DA. Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Pearson Education): Pearson Education; 2015.
Norcini JJ, Blank LL, Arnold GK, Kimball HR. The mini-CEX (clinical evaluation exercise): a preliminary investigation. Ann Intern Med. 1995;123(10):795–9. (PMID: 10.7326/0003-4819-123-10-199511150-00008)
LI Hui ZH, Wenjie WANG, Xueling WANG, Xiaozhen WU. Application of Mini-CEX combined with DOPS in standardized training of dental residents. China Continuing Med Educ. 2022;14(09):106–11. (in Chinese).
Martinsen SSS, Espeland T, Berg EAR, Samstad E, Lillebo B, Slørdahl TS. Examining the educational impact of the mini-CEX: a randomised controlled study. BMC Med Educ. 2021;21(1):228. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-021-02670-3)
Motefakker S, Shirinabadi Farahani A, Nourian M, Nasiri M, Heydari F. The impact of the evaluations made by Mini-CEX on the clinical competency of nursing students. BMC Med Educ. 2022;22(1):634. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-022-03667-2)
Holmboe ES, Huot S, Chung J, Norcini J, Hawkins RE. Construct validity of the miniclinical evaluation exercise (miniCEX). Acad Medicine: J Association Am Med Colleges. 2003;78(8):826–30. (PMID: 10.1097/00001888-200308000-00018)
Al-Jewair T, Kumar S. Review and application of the Mini-Clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX) in advanced orthodontic education: A pilot study. J Dent Educ. 2019;83(11):1332–8. (PMID: 10.21815/JDE.019.131)
Yao Y, Yang G, Li X, Li Y, Zhou J, Hong Y, Yang L, Zhao Y. An assessment of clinical reception training using standard patient and dental simulator in prosthodontic dentistry for dental undergraduates: a historical control trial. BMC Med Educ. 2024;24(1):1537. (PMID: 10.1186/s12909-024-06563-z)
Bock A, Peters F, Elvers D, Wittenborn J, Kniha K, Gerressen M, Hölzle F, Modabber A. Introduction of mini-clinical evaluation exercise in teaching dental radiology-A pilot study. Eur J Dent Education: Official J Association Dent Educ Europe. 2020;24(4):695–705. (PMID: 10.1111/eje.12558)
Contributed Indexing:
Keywords: Clinical clerkship; Clinical reasoning; Computer-based case simulations; Critical thinking; Dental education; Mini-CEX
Entry Date(s):
Date Created: 20260130 Date Completed: 20260224 Latest Revision: 20260226
Update Code:
20260226
PubMed Central ID:
PMC12930544
DOI:
10.1186/s12909-026-08593-1
PMID:
41612366
Database:
MEDLINE
*Further Information*
*Purpose: Traditional didactic lecture-based models in stomatology education, which rely on passive learning through lectures and observation, have limitations in fostering clinical reasoning. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Computer-based Case Simulations (CCS) in enhancing the clinical reasoning skills of non-dental medical undergraduates, using the Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) as an outcome measure.
Methods: The study involved 328 non-dentistry medical undergraduates enrolled in four different educational programs: Bilingual, Pediatrics, Clinical Medicine I and Clinical Medicine II. Both the control and intervention group completed a Mini-CEX prior to training to establish a baseline. The control group received traditional didactic training (lectures + passive clinical observation), while the intervention group underwent CCS. Educational effectiveness was evaluated via theoretical test scores and Mini-CEX assessments.
Results: A pre-clerkship survey revealed that non-dentistry undergraduates prioritized learning about various dental diseases and developing clinical diagnostic and therapeutic thinking skills over the technical and procedural skills involved in the delivery of patient care. The intervention group, demonstrated significantly higher theoretical test scores compared with the control group across all classes (Bilingual Class: 98.1 ± 1.22 vs. 97.3 ± 0.97, Cohen's d = 1.129; Pediatric Class: 97.9 ± 0.85 vs. 96.5 ± 1.35, Cohen's d = 1.072; Clinical Medicine Class Ⅰ: 98.0 ± 0.91 vs. 97.0 ± 1.08, Cohen's d = 1.000; Clinical Medicine ClassⅡ: 99.2 ± 1.04 vs. 97.7 ± 1.74, Cohen's d = 1.432; all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the Mini-CEX score between the groups before the clerkship (P > 0.05). Although both groups showed improvements in Mini-CEX scores post-clerkship, the intervention group exhibited a significantly greater increase (Cohen's d > 0.5, P < 0.01), indicating superior clinical skill development.
Conclusion: The results suggest that Computer-based case simulations (CCS) were associated with enhanced clinical knowledge and superior development of clinical reasoning skills in non-dentistry medical undergraduates compared to traditional methods, as measured by theoretical examination and Mini-CEX assessment. Future research should explore the long-term retention of clinical reasoning and the feasibility of scaling CCS in resource-limited settings.
(© 2026. The Author(s).)*
*Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This is an observational study which has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University (2025-KY-004-01). All methods were performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. All the students participated in research after signing the informed consent. Consent for publication: Not Applicable Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.*