Objective To explore the application effect of PDCA cycle management teaching model in occupational protection practice teaching of dental interns in cariology and endodontics. Methods The Grade 2021 undergraduate medical students (n =43) who practiced in the Department of Cariology and Endodontology from June 2020 to May 2021 were selected as the control group, and the Grade 2022 undergraduate medical students (n =48) who practiced in the Department of Cariology and Endodontology from June 2021 to May 2022 were selected as the experimental group. The control group adopted the traditional classroom theory teaching and case teaching mode, and the experimental group adopted the teaching mode based on PDCA cycle. The scores of theoretical examination and operation examination, teaching satisfaction and occupational exposure events were compared between the two groups. Results The total scores of theoretical examination and skill assessment in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the satisfaction of course design, learning interest and course difficulty between the two groups (P >0.05). The satisfaction of teaching methods and means in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05 ). There were 3 occupational exposure events in both groups. Conclusion The application of the teaching mode based on PDCA cycle management in the clinical teaching of cariology and endodontics interns can effectively improve their awareness of protection, strengthen their theoretical and technical literacy, and obtain good teaching satisfaction, which is worthy of continuous promotion in future teaching activities.