In my opinion, the clinical observation should begin in the 3rd year itself as it would enhance patient communication, business awareness, and practical exposure. This will complement core skill development and build confidence for later practice.
It will be better if students are exposed to real world scenarios like in clinics. However it should be like an internship where they will learn the things practically.
Dental students could gain a lot from exposing them to real-world clinical settings by their third year. Students can be exposed to a variety of procedures, gain insights into practice management, and improve patient communication through early observation in private clinics. To guarantee safety and efficient learning, it must be balanced with mastery of fundamental skills. To get the most out of the experience, structured mentoring is essential.