3. Practical examination - The Australian Dental Council

Dentist assessments

3. Practical examination

Overview

The practical examination is the last stage of the dental practitioner assessment process. It is a platform for you to show that you are competent to practise safely as a dentist in Australia.

The examination is held over two days: a technical skills day and a clinical skills day. It assesses you across the range of the Professional competencies of the newly qualified dentist. You are eligible to sit the practical examination within three years of completion of your written examination.

The Practical examination handbook for dentists (PDF, 693KB) and the Practical examination information package for dentists (PDF, 2.2MB) provide a complete overview of the practical examination format and requirements.

We do not recommend or endorse any proprietary or informal courses advertising as preparation for the practical examination. These courses are developed and run without ADC input. We cannot be held responsible for the quality of training or advice provided through these courses.

You are eligible to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia once you successfully complete the practical examination.

Eligibility: Successful, valid written examination.
Timeframe: 4 to 7 months from application period to results release (approximately)
Cost:

$4,635 AUD

Validity: Does not expire
2024
Period 1
Application period

11 – 24 October 2023

Date selection period

26 October – 1 November 2023

Examination date

January – May 2024

2024
Period 2
Application period

6 – 20 February 2024

Examination date

May – August 2024

2024
Period 3
Application period

13 – 27 June 2024

Examination date

September – December 2024

*Specific dates will be set after the application period.

Process

3.1 Apply for a practical examination place

To sit the practical examination, you must:

  • have a valid initial assessment with an expiry date later than the practical examination date,
  • have a valid written examination, with an expiry date later than the practical examination date, and
  • meet the eligibility requirements of the advertised examination dates.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, a practical examination application link will appear on your ADC Connect profile when the application period opens.

Follow the instructions to complete the application and pay the associated application fee. Once payment is processed you will receive an email to confirm your application has been received. Your ADC Connect profile will also be updated confirming your practical examination.

3.2 Book your preferred practical examination session

In the weeks following your successful application you will receive an email inviting you to book your preferred practical examination session via ADC Connect. Follow the instructions to select your preferred practical examination session.

Your ADC Connect account will be updated once you have selected your preferred session, but your session is not confirmed at this time.

We will try and accommodate you where we can, however we do not guarantee that you will be allocated your preferred dates. Remember that you must be available to sit the practical examination at any time during the examination period.

Once the booking period closes the ADC will review the sessions. Following this, we will send an email confirming your practical examination session. Your ADC Connect profile will be updated with your confirmed dates.

3.3 Sit your practical examination

You will receive an email with your practical examination schedule approximately four weeks before your examination.

We will supply the materials and equipment you need for the practical examination.

You are required to follow the terms of the Candidate Rules Agreement (PDF, 56KB) during the practical examination.

During registration you must present government-issued photographic identification. Your identification must be current and include your signature. We will also take your photo at this time.

The Practical examination handbook for dentists (PDF, 693KB) contains more information about practical examination day process.

3.4 Receive your practical examination results

Your practical examination results will be released via ADC Connect approximately six weeks after your examination date.

Information about how the practical examination is graded is available in the Practical examination handbook for dentists (PDF, 693KB).

After you successfully complete the practical examination, you will be awarded an ADC certificate. This certificate confirms your eligibility to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia. It will be available to download via your ADC Connect account.

Dentist assessment stages

 

1. Initial assessment

 

 

2. Written examination

 

 

3. Practical examination