Are you an overseas-trained dentist looking to practice in Australia? Then, clearing the ADC (Australian Dental Council) exam is the most important step. The ADC Written and Practical Exams have undergone significant change, particularly with the introduction of updated norms in 2025, which place greater emphasis on clinical judgment, communication, and infection control, special needs in dentistry,health promotion,social responsibilities, social media in dentistry and many more competencies.
This blog is your ultimate roadmap, providing 100% up-to-date, foolproof preparation strategies that cover study tips, resources, timelines, and more.
What is the ADC Exam assessment process?
The ADC exam involves:
- Initial Assessment: Qualification and work history review.
- Written Examination: 4 scenario(cluster)-based MCQ papers.
- Practical Examination: 2-day OSCE with technical and clinical skills.
Eligibility criteria: A recognised dental degree + English proficiency(Revised March 2025) (Cambridge/IELTS/OET/PTE/TOEFL).
Goal: Your knowledge and skills should align with Australian healthcare standards.
ADC Exam Timeline 2025
| Stage | Frequency | Duration |
| Initial Assessment | All year | ~8 weeks |
| Written Exam | March, Sept | 2 days |
| Practical Exam | 3 cycles/year | 2 days |
Are you worried about looming deadlines and meeting eligibility criteria? Don’t worry, our expert team can guide you through the entire process to help you begin your preparation and file your documents on time.
ADC Written Exam: Format & Strategy
Exam Format (2025)
- Scenario-Based MCQs
- 240 Scored + 40 Unscored Questions
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
A Blueprint of Key Focus Areas (Based on 2025 Updates)
Top Book Recommendations:
- Sturdevant’s Art & Science of Operative Dentistry
- Davidson’s Principles of Medicine
- ADA Infection Control Guidelines
- Cohen's Pathways of the Pulp
- Therapeutic Guidelines
- Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine
- Cawson’s Essentials for Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine
- Handbook of Pediatric Dentistry
- Preservation and Restoration of Tooth Structure-Mount and Hume
- Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics-Shillinberg.
ADC Practical Exam: Format & Strategy
The ADC Practical Exam is now more OSCE-driven than ever, covering both technical and clinical skills over a two-day period.
Clinical Skills Day (OSCEs)
- 10 Stations: Simulation + Standardised Patients
- Covers:
- Domains-Clinical information gathering & Diagnosis and management planning.
- History Taking
- Risk Profile Establishment
- Managing Medical Emergencies
- Patient Communication
- Treatment Planning
- Rubber Dam Application, Radiographs, Taking IOPAR,etc.
Technical Skills Day
6 Hands-on Tasks on Manikins:
- Resin Composite/Amalgam Restoration
- Crown Prep & Temporization(Indirect Restoration)
- Endodontic Restoration
Top Book Recommendations:
- Manual of Minor Oral Surgery
- McCracken’s Removable Prosthodontics
- Carranza’s Clinical Periodontolog
- IADT Guidelines for Dental Trauma
100% Proven Strategies to Pass Both Written & Practical in 1st Attempt
1. Join the best ADC coaching centre
An exam of this gravity needs professional mentorship. Only a mentor who has himself/herself gone through the same path can guide you the best. Academically has professional mentors with several years of experience. Their ADC preparation course is the best on the internet, available at a really affordable price.
Why choose us?
- Live+Recorded sessions
- Extended course access
- AI-based mock tests
- Community groups for peer support
- 1-on-1 doubt-clearing sessions
- Competencies Guidelines -Special Classes with SBQs
2. Create a Weekly Study Plan
| Week | Focus Area | Resources |
| 1–4 | Basic Sciences | Rang & Dale, Davidson’s |
| 5–8 | Oral Pathology & Radiology | Cawson’s, Koong’s Atlas |
| 9–12 | Operative & Prosthodontics | Sturdevant’s, Rosenstiel |
| 13–16 | Full-Length Mock Tests | ADC Sample Paper, MCQs |
3. Practice Scenario-Based MCQs
- Practice 240-question mock papers.
- Use our AI-adaptive test platform for assessment.
- Break down each scenario: symptoms → differential diagnosis→ diagnostic test → treatment.
4. Train for OSCEs & Clinical Reasoning
- Use OSCE stations from our learning platform.
- Take advantage of our WhatsApp and Telegram groups for interacting with peers.
- Record your practice and self-assess using rubrics.
Pro Tip: Practice “breaking bad news” and “informed consent” scenarios using video roleplays and join 1-on-1 sessions with our mentors.
Become a Registered Dentist in Australia
The webinar, led by Dr. Akram Ahmad, a renowned Healthcare career coach,, solves all your burning questions about the ADC exam process and provides an easy pathway to work as a registered dentist in Australia.
Also Read: ADC exam in Australia
