Impact of Early Preclinical Exposure on Academic Performance, Clinical Skills, and Confidence Among BDS Students at Private Dental College

<b>Background:</b> The transformation of theoretical knowledge into effective patient care is made possible by early exposure to clinical practice. It makes a substantial contribution to helping students acquire basic competencies such as empathy, problem-solving, and communication. The current study intends to determine if improved clinical interaction improves knowledge acquisition and skill acquisition, as well as to support the effect of early preclinical exposure (EPCE) on the academic performance of undergraduate dental students. <b>Objectives:</b> To assess the effects of EPCE on academic performance, soft skills, and confidence levels among second-year BDS students at HBS Dental College, Pakistan. <b>Methodology:</b> This comparative cross-sectional survey included a total of 150 BDS students, who were divided into two groups: Group A (EPCE) and Group B (late exposure). Academic performance was assessed using scores from the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and theoretical written exams. To evaluate the development of soft skills and self-confidence, both groups completed a common set of self-administered questionnaire items designed for this purpose. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, were calculated. Independent sample <i>t</i>-tests were used to compare outcomes between the two groups. A <i>p</i> value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. <b>Results:</b> A total of 150 students were enrolled (75 per group). Group A (early exposure) demonstrated significantly higher performance across all domains. Theory exam scores were higher in Group A (82%, SD = 3.5) than Group B (76%, SD = 4.2; <i>p</i>=0.002, Cohen's <i>d</i> = 1.55). In the OSCE, Group A outperformed in communication (85% vs. 78%, <i>p</i>=0.004, <i>d</i> = 2.15) and empathy (83% vs. 75%, <i>p</i>=0.005, <i>d</i> = 2.28). Self-reported confidence was also greater in Group A (84% vs. 77%, <i>p</i> < 0.005, <i>d</i> = 2.00). <b>Conclusion:</b> The implementation of early preclinical placements significantly enhanced academic achievement and professional development among BDS students. Integrating early clinical exposure into the dental curriculum enriches the overall educational experience and better prepares students for the demands of real-world dental practice.