2. Written examination

Overview

The written examination is designed to test your knowledge of the science and practice of dental hygiene and/or dental therapy. It assesses your application of clinical judgement and reasoning skills relevant to dental practice in Australia.

The written examination is held over one day in Melbourne, Australia.

You should carefully read the Written examination handbook for dental hygiene and dental therapy (PDF, 498KB) for a comprehensive overview of the written examination format and requirements.

We do not recommend or endorse any proprietary or informal courses advertising as preparation for the written 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.

Eligibility:	Successful, valid initial assessment
Timeframe:	5 months from application period to results release (approximately)
Cost:	$1,391 AUD
Validity:	3 years
2024 Period 1	Application period 29 November – 12 December 2023 Examination date Friday 22 March 2024
2024 Period 2	Application period 5 – 18 June 2024 Examination date Friday 20 September 2024

Process

2.1 Apply for a written examination place

To sit the written examination, you must:

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

If you meet the eligibility requirements a written 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 written examination.

2.2 Sit your written examination

The written examination is a paper-based examination delivered over one day in Melbourne, Victoria.

Dental hygiene

The dental hygiene written examination is made up of two papers, each two hours in length.

Dental therapy

The dental therapy written examination is made up of two papers. The first paper is two hours long and the second is an hour long.

Combined dental hygiene and dental therapy

The combined written examination is available for candidates with dual qualifications in dental hygiene and dental therapy or hold a qualification in oral health therapy.

This examination is made up of three papers. The first two are two hours in length and the third is one hour long.

More information about the written examination format, including sample questions, is available in the Written examination handbook for dental hygiene and dental therapy (PDF, 498KB).

2.3 Receive your written examination results

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

A pass in the written examination is valid for three years and there are no limits on the number of times you can attempt the examination.

More information about how the written examination is graded is available in the Written examination handbook for dental hygiene and dental therapy (PDF, 498KB).