Purpose: To apply role- play simulation in pre-clinical practice of the fourth grade students in department of endodontics.
Methods: Thirty-two students were randomly divided into 2 groups, there were 16 students in each group. Students in one group were taught with role-play simulation while the other group with lecture-based learning method. The teaching effect was measured with examination and questionnaire survey. The data was analyzed by using SPSS 17.0 software package.
Results: There were no significant differences in basic knowledge, case analysis and oral examination between 2 groups (P>0.05), but there was significant difference in history taking and medical records writing, practical examination and total scores between 2 groups (P<0.05). The role-play simulation was generally approved by both teachers and students in experimental group.
Conclusions: The abilities of the fourth grade students can be developed by role-play simulation in different aspects. Role-play simulation can be applied in pre-clinical practice of the fourth grade students in department of endodontics.