Are you a dentist thinking of becoming a registered dentist in Australia? Then, you have made the right decision! Because dentists in Australia enjoy a salary of AUD 150,000 annually, along with this, you will get to work in an amazing environment with a great work life balance!
Before you get started with the ADC preparation, know the ADC Exam dates first. This way you can plan when you want to take the exam and streamline the process in the shortest possible time.
In this blog, you’ll find the complete ADC exam calendar for 2026, including key dates for both the written and practical exams.
Initial Assessment
The Initial Assessment is the starting point for the ADC. It determines whether you meet the requirements to undergo the dental practitioner assessment process.
The eligibility criteria for the ADC exam are:
- Minimum 4-year full-time degree/diploma
- Full and unrestricted registration/licence
Unlike other components of the exam, there is no set application period for the Initial Assessment. You have the flexibility to apply at any time, allowing you to kickstart your preparations on your own schedule.
P.S. There are initial assessment application deadline dates for each written examination.
ADC Written Exam 2026
The Written Exam is the next step in ADC. Once you get the initial assessment, you can take the written exam. It will be conducted twice in 2026, offering candidates multiple opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency.
| Period | Initial Assessment Deadline | Application Period | Examination Dates |
| Period 1 | 12 October 2025 | 9 – 16 December 2025 | Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 March 2026 |
| Period 2 | 12 April 2026 | 9 – 16 June 2026 | Wednesday 16 & Thursday 17 September 2026 |
ADC Practical Exam 2026
The Practical Exam evaluates your clinical skills and knowledge in dentistry. It is a clinical OSCE and final assessment of the ADC exam. A successful and valid written examination is required to be eligible for the practical exam. In 2026, it will be divided into three periods, each offering distinct application and examination windows.
| Period | Application Period | Date Selection | Examination Window |
| Period 1 | 15 – 24 October 2025 | 28 – 30 October 2025 | January – May 2026 |
| Period 2 | 11 – 22 February 2026 | 25 – 27 February 2026 | May – August 2026 |
| Period 3 | 17 – 26 June 2026 | 1 – 3 July 2026 | August – December 2026 |
So, these are the ADC Written and Practical exam dates. Now, all you have to do is prepare for the ADC exam. The best option would be to enroll into Academically’s ADC preparation course. Here you will get live and recorded lectures, study materials, practice questions, AI-based mock tests, personalised guidance and much more. If you want to pass the ADC exam on the first attempt, this might be just right for you!
Approximate Timeline To Clear ADC Exam
To become a registered dentist in Australia, it requires proper planning and understanding of the timeline. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the approximate timeline involved in the process:
Initial Assessment: The assessment timeframe for this takes approximately 8 weeks (Timeframes can be delayed if the information submitted is incomplete). Once it is done, the initial assessment will be valid for seven years.
Written Exam: The written exam takes around 5 months from the application period to the announcement of results (approximately). The results will be valid for five years from the date of announcement.
Practical Exam: The practical exam takes around 4 to 7 months from the application period to the exam (approximately). The results do not expire. You have multiple attempts to try and clear the practical exam.
Example:
Initial Assessment for ADC Eligibility applied in July 2026
↓
Assessment results received on October 2026
↓
Applied for Written Exam for the Period 1
↓
Appeared for the Written Exam in March 2027
↓
Got the Results in April
↓
Applied for Practical Exam for Period 3
↓
Appeared for the Practical Exam in October 2027
↓
Got the Results in December 2027
P.S. This is a timeline if you pass on the first attempt of the ADC Written and Practical Examination.
Final Words
The ADC exam is your gateway to becoming a registered dentist in Australia. Before you decide to take the exam, be aware of the dates, syllabus and costs involved throughout the process. This way, you can be better prepared for the exam and the process.
The ADC written exam happens twice a year and practical exam thrice a year. So, plan the exams accordingly so that everything is streamlined. Also, make sure you clear the exams in a single attempt. This will save lots of time, money and energy.
If you have any questions about the ADC exam process or dates, feel free to reach us.
