International dentists who have cleared the Australian Dental Council (ADC) Written Exam must be on cloud nine. Passing the ADC Written exam is no small feat. However, the one that comes next is the ultimate goal- the ADC Practical Exam. Once you pass the ADC Practical Exam, you are officially eligible to apply for registration and become a dentist in Australia.
You already know the advantages of becoming a dentist in Australia, like an annual salary of AUD 149,448, a good work-life balance, and an opportunity to grow career-wise.
So, in this blog get all the information on how to prepare for the ADC Practical exam. This way, you can streamline your study process and pass the exam with ease and on the first attempt.
What Is the ADC Practical Exam?
The ADC Practical Exam is designed to assess whether candidates have the clinical skills, knowledge, and professional judgment required to practise safely as a general dentist in Australia. It is the final stage in the Australian Dental Council (ADC) assessment process for overseas-trained dentists.
Exam Format
The exam is conducted over two days at the ADC examination centre in Melbourne. It is divided into:
1. Technical Skills Day (Day 1) – Tests your ability to perform specific dental procedures on a manikin.
2. Clinical Skills Day (Day 2) – Includes OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) stations, where you interact with simulated patients and demonstrate your clinical decision-making, communication, and patient management skills.
To pass, you must meet the minimum competency standards set by the ADC.
Top 5 Tips to Prepare for the ADC Practical Exam
The ADC Practical Exam is your chance to demonstrate that you can practise safely as a dental professional in Australia. As the final step in the dental practitioner assessment process, we understand how important this exam is for your career. To help you prepare effectively, here are our top five tips for a smooth exam experience.
1. Be Well-Prepared
Before your exam, carefully review all official ADC documents, including:
- Practical Examination Handbook
- Practical Examination Information Package
- ADC Candidate Rules Agreement for the Practical Examination
- ADC Assessment Processes Document
- Your Registration Email
These documents provide all the necessary guidelines, so ensure you read and understand them thoroughly. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress and potential exam misconduct.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Bringing unauthorised materials into the exam centre (e.g., unapproved medications, mobile phones, incorrectly packaged eyewear).
- Arriving late or forgetting essential registration documents (such as your signed candidate rules agreement or valid ID).xss
2. Manage Stress
Exams can be stressful, but maintaining your health and well-being is just as important as studying. Find stress-management techniques that work for you, and take care of yourself throughout your preparation.
Remember: As an ADC candidate, you have access to the Dental Practitioner Support Service, a free resource provided by the Dental Board of Australia.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping breaks during the technical skills day.
- Losing focus due to unexpected situations or distractions.
3. Read Each Task Carefully
The tasks in your exam will vary each day. Please pay close attention to the instructions provided during your exam, as they clearly outline what is expected of you.
During the briefing, ADC staff, examiners, and your convenor will explain how to adjust manikins and use the equipment. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Giving a memorised response in an OSCE station.
- Looking for prompts from the simulated patient.
- Working on the wrong tooth or wrong quadrant.
- Failing to ask an ADC staff member for help if you’re unsure how to use the equipment. Incorrect use can damage equipment and affect your performance.
- Inappropriate patient handling, such as resting your hand on the patient’s face.
4. Manage Your Time Wisely
The exam is designed with sufficient time to complete all tasks, but time management is key.
- On technical skills day, start with the tasks you’re most comfortable with and plan your time accordingly. At lunch, reassess your progress to ensure you finish all tasks by the end of the day.
- On clinical skills day, use the reading time to go through all materials carefully. During the 10-minute OSCE stations, be mindful of how much time you have left.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Reviewing OSCE resources during exam time instead of during reading time.
- Rushing through the last few tasks or running out of time on either technical or clinical skills days.
5. Report Concerns Immediately
If something happens during your exam that could affect your performance, you must inform an examiner right away. The examiner and convenor will assess the situation and address it as needed.
If necessary, an Adverse Incident Form will be completed. However, issues such as minor equipment adjustments (e.g., a loose tooth) or personal limitations (e.g., illness) may not be considered adverse incidents.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Reporting concerns after the exam via email, phone, or complaints form. Issues raised after the exam cannot be investigated or rectified.
Final Thoughts
The ADC Practical Exam is a challenging but achievable way to become a licensed dentist in Australia. By following these five essential tips, you can stay focused, manage stress effectively, and perform at your best.
With the right preparation and a clear understanding of the exam format, you can increase your chances of passing on your first attempt.
Good luck with your exam!
If you have any questions or need guidance for the ADC Exam, please feel free to fill out this form. Our team will be more than happy to assist you.
