Abstract: Objective To explore the effect and feasibility of SSP (Simplified standardized patients, SSP) combined with PBL (problem based learning, PBL) in oral and maxillofacial surgery teaching course. Methods A total of 60 clinical trainees were randomly divided into A and B groups: group A was treated with SSP and PBL, and group B was treated by traditional teaching method. There were three ways to evaluate the teaching effect including the questionnaire, the tests of basic theory and clinic ability. Results There was no significant difference in the average score of written test between the two groups (t=0.744, P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the difference of history talking, doctor-patient communication, diagnosis and treatment ability between the two groups was statistically significant (all P<0.05). Survey results show that PBL combined with SSP simulation teaching method is superior to the traditional teaching model in many aspects. For example,the degree of interest in the class, the degree of classroom activity and the medical confidence of the medical students in the future. Conclusions The application of SSP combined with PBL teaching model in maxillofacial surgery teaching can improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment level, improve the teaching quality of maxillofacial surgery course, enhance the medical students’ medical confidence and alleviate the contradiction of teaching resources.

Key words: PBL teaching, SSP teaching, Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Clinical teaching