Comparing virtual patient cases and clinical experience to teach temporomandibular disorder diagnosis
Official title: Testing Educational Modalities for Temporomandibular Disorders Curriculum
Run by Midwestern University · NCT07203456 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether virtual patient cases, hands-on clinical exposure, or both together improve confidence, knowledge, and ability to diagnose temporomandibular disorders in third- and fourth-year dental students at Midwestern University.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Midwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Downers Grove, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 13, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07203456 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are third- or fourth-year dental students enrolled in the College of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University (Downers Grove, Illinois).
✕Probably not a fit
Students who are not in the third or fourth year at Midwestern University's College of Dental Medicine or students at other institutions are not eligible and unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project compares three educational approaches—virtual patient-based learning (VPBL), real clinical exposure to patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and a combined approach—among third- and fourth-year predoctoral dental students. Participants will be assigned to one of the three modalities and will complete pre- and post-intervention measures of confidence, knowledge, and diagnostic ability related to TMD. The VPBL platform presents interactive TMD case scenarios while clinical exposure involves supervised assessment of real patients. Changes in diagnostic performance and self-reported confidence will be analyzed to determine which approach or combination best improves trainees' skills.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could give dental students better skills and confidence diagnosing TMD, which may lead to earlier and more accurate care for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous educational research using virtual patient platforms in health professions education has generally shown modest improvements in learner confidence and diagnostic reasoning, though results vary by implementation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Third or Fourth year dental students at the College of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University (Illinois) Exclusion Criteria: * Dental students not enrolled at the third and/or fourth year of the College of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University (Illinois)
Where it's running
-
Midwestern University
Downers Grove, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Linda Sangalli, DDS, MS, PhD
- Email: lsanga@midwestern.edu
- Phone: 630-515-4617
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.