ADC Written Exam - General Dentistry (Official Blueprint) - Australia

• Professionalism and health promotion

  Ethics, communication, consent, infection control and preventive care.

• Clinical information gathering

  History taking, examination, radiographs and special investigations.

• Diagnosis and management planning

  Reaching a diagnosis and planning treatment for the whole patient.

• Clinical treatment and evaluation

  Carrying out treatment and judging its outcome across the dental disciplines.

• Oral Medicine and Pathology541 questions
• Restorative Dentistry261 questions
• Prosthodontics238 questions
• Periodontics236 questions
• Endodontics152 questions
• General Medicine148 questions
• Infection Prevention and Control141 questions
• Professionalism and Ethics129 questions

1. Question 1

   What is the correct sequence for donning (putting on) PPE?

   1. AGloves, Mask, Gown
   2. BGown, Mask, Protective Eyewear, Gloves
   3. CMask, Gown, Gloves, Eyewear
   4. DEyewear, Gloves, Mask
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Gown, Mask, Protective Eyewear, Gloves

   Gown first, followed by mask and eyewear, with gloves being the final step to ensure they remain as clean as possible26.

2. Question 2

   What does a positive Nikolsky’s sign indicate?

   1. AInfection
   2. BFragile epithelium
   3. CVascular fragility
   4. DUlcer chronicity
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Fragile epithelium

   Nikolsky’s sign reflects loss of epithelial cohesion. Gentle pressure causes blistering due to weak intercellular attachments. This is characteristic of intraepithelial blistering disorders. It helps distinguish pemphigus from other ulcerative lesions.

3. Question 3

   Which sign suggests inflammatory resorption?

   1. AMetallic percussion sound
   2. BRadiolucency along root
   3. CCrown discoloration
   4. DMobility
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Radiolucency along root

   Inflammatory resorption appears as irregular root radiolucencies. It is associated with infection. Early detection allows intervention. Delayed treatment worsens prognosis.

4. Question 4

   Which factor is MOST critical when selecting abutment teeth?

   1. ACrown morphology
   2. BPulp vitality
   3. CCrown-root ratio
   4. DShade matching
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Crown-root ratio

   The crown-root ratio directly influences the ability of abutment teeth to withstand occlusal forces transmitted by the prosthesis. Favorable ratios reduce the risk of abutment failure and periodontal breakdown. While vitality and morphology are important, they are secondary to biomechanical support. Shade matching is irrelevant at the planning stage.

5. Question 5

   What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

   1. AIrreversible pulpitis
   2. BCracked tooth syndrome
   3. CVertical root fracture
   4. DApical periodontitis
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Cracked tooth syndrome

   Sharp pain on biting and release with normal vitality strongly suggests cracked tooth syndrome. Vertical root fractures typically occur in endodontically treated teeth. Irreversible pulpitis causes spontaneous lingering pain, not bite-related pain.

6. Question 6

   Which factor most contributes to spontaneous pain?

   1. ADentin hypersensitivity
   2. BIncreased intrapulpal pressure
   3. CEnamel fracture
   4. DGingival inflammation
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Increased intrapulpal pressure

   In irreversible pulpitis, inflammatory exudate increases intrapulpal pressure within a rigid chamber. This pressure stimulates nociceptors, causing spontaneous pain. Dentin hypersensitivity does not cause spontaneous pain.

7. Question 7

   Which communication strategy is BEST to de-escalate while maintaining professionalism?

   1. A“If you don’t like it, go elsewhere.”
   2. B“I can do it, but you must accept all risks.”
   3. C“I understand your goal; let’s review safer options and why I can’t recommend unnecessary crowns.”
   4. D“Crowns are always better than fillings, so it’s fine.”
   Show answer

   Answer: C. “I understand your goal; let’s review safer options and why I can’t recommend unnecessary crowns.”

   Professional communication acknowledges the patient’s goals while explaining clinical reasoning clearly and respectfully. This approach maintains rapport and supports shared decision-making. It also reduces the risk of complaints driven by perceived dismissal or condescension. Overpromising or threatening language escalates conflict and increases professional risk.

8. Question 8

   What preventive advice should be emphasized after treatment?

   1. AAvoid brushing that tooth
   2. BImprove oral hygiene and fluoride exposure
   3. CReduce protein intake
   4. DUse desensitizing toothpaste only
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Improve oral hygiene and fluoride exposure

   Secondary caries prevention relies on plaque control and fluoride use. Avoiding brushing worsens caries risk. Dietary protein intake is irrelevant. Desensitizing toothpaste alone does not address caries risk.

9. Question 9

   Why are antibiotics not indicated in this case?

   1. ANo bacterial involvement
   2. BNo systemic signs of infection
   3. CAntibiotics do not penetrate enamel
   4. DPain is not severe
   Show answer

   Answer: B. No systemic signs of infection

   Antibiotics are reserved for cases with spreading infection or systemic involvement. Irreversible pulpitis is a localized inflammatory condition managed by operative treatment. Prescribing antibiotics in this situation offers no benefit and contributes to resistance. Pain severity alone is not an indication for antibiotics.

10. Question 10

    Which radiograph is most appropriate at the initial visit?

    1. APanoramic radiograph
    2. BPeriapical radiograph
    3. CBitewing radiograph
    4. DOcclusal radiograph only
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Periapical radiograph

    A periapical radiograph allows assessment of root position, periodontal ligament space, and possible alveolar fracture. It is essential for baseline documentation. Bitewings are less useful for trauma assessment. Additional views may be taken if fractures are suspected.

1. 1

   Choose your exam

   Pick the licensing exam you're preparing for from the library.

2. 2

   Practice real questions

   Work through exam-style questions with instant feedback and an explanation on every answer.

3. 3

   Track your readiness

   Topic-level analytics and a readiness score tell you exactly when you're ready to pass.

• DHA

  DHA General Dentistry Licensing

  Prepare for the DHA General Dentistry exam with realistic practice questions, clinical case scenarios, and detailed explanations aligned to the DHA syllabus.

• SLLE

  SLLE Laboratory Technologist/ Technician Exam

  Prepare for the SLLE Laboratory Technologist exam with realistic practice questions, detailed explanations, and topic-based study plans.

• DHA

  DHA Medical Laboratory Technologist

  Prepare for your DHA Medical Laboratory Technician/Technologist licensing exam with expert-curated practice questions, detailed explanations, and realistic exam simulations.

• DHA

  DHA Hematology Clinical Scientist

  Prepare for the DHA Hematology Clinical Scientist exam (MTH4611) with advanced practice questions covering coagulation, blood banking, QC, and special hematology.

Browse all exams