General Dentistry Prometric Exam Outline
Administered by: Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
Duration: 3 Hours
Number of Questions: 150
Pass Score: 65%
Fee: USD 280
Exam Code: DEN5001
Exam Coverage
1. Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Focus Areas: Comprehensive patient assessment, diagnosis, and development of a treatment plan.
Key Concepts:
Taking a thorough medical and dental history, performing extra- and intra-oral exams.
Diagnostic tools, including radiographs, intraoral photos, and pulp vitality testing.
Formulating a treatment plan based on the patient’s needs, prioritizing urgent care.
Tips: Focus on differential diagnosis, patient-centered care, and steps for creating a phased treatment plan.
2. Oral Medicine and Pathology
Focus Areas: Recognition and management of oral diseases and conditions.
Key Concepts:
Common oral mucosal lesions (e.g., lichen planus, leukoplakia, candidiasis).
Oral manifestations of systemic diseases and immunocompromised states.
Diagnostic tests, biopsy techniques, and pharmacologic management of oral diseases.
Tips: Study the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and basic management of common oral pathologies.
3. Preventive Dentistry
Focus Areas: Techniques and strategies to prevent dental diseases.
Key Concepts:
Fluoride application, dental sealants, and patient education on oral hygiene.
Risk assessment for caries and periodontal disease, including nutritional counseling.
Oral health promotion and prevention programs for different age groups.
Tips: Review preventive strategies for children, adults, and high-risk populations, including caries risk assessment.
4. Operative Dentistry
Focus Areas: Diagnosis and treatment of carious lesions, including restorative materials and techniques.
Key Concepts:
Cavity preparation, adhesive techniques, and composite vs. amalgam restorations.
Indications, contraindications, and properties of different restorative materials.
Aesthetic considerations and management of minimally invasive restorations.
Tips: Familiarize yourself with types of cavities, bonding techniques, and material properties for optimal restoration outcomes.
5. Endodontics
Focus Areas: Root canal treatment for irreversible pulpitis, pulp necrosis, and apical periodontitis.
Key Concepts:
Pulpal and periapical diagnosis, including emergency management of endodontic pain.
Root canal instrumentation, irrigation, and obturation techniques.
Management of complications, such as ledges, perforations, and instrument separation.
Tips: Understand the principles of root canal therapy, including access preparation, canal shaping, and sealing.
6. Periodontics
Focus Areas: Diagnosis and management of periodontal diseases.
Key Concepts:
Classification and staging of periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis.
Non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy, including scaling, root planing, and flap surgery.
Role of adjunctive therapies (antibiotics, laser therapy) in periodontal treatment.
Tips: Emphasize periodontal assessment (probing, radiographic analysis) and treatment planning based on disease severity.
7. Prosthodontics
Focus Areas: Fabrication and maintenance of fixed and removable prostheses.
Key Concepts:
Principles of crown and bridge preparations, impression techniques, and occlusion.
Design, fabrication, and maintenance of complete and partial dentures.
Implant prosthodontics basics, including treatment planning and implant placement.
Tips: Focus on crown and bridge techniques, complete denture fabrication, and considerations for implant-retained prostheses.
8. Oral Surgery
Focus Areas: Basic surgical procedures, including tooth extraction and management of complications.
Key Concepts:
Principles of simple and surgical extractions, including indications and contraindications.
Management of common complications, such as dry socket, bleeding, and infection.
Basic principles of minor oral surgery (e.g., biopsies, apicoectomies).
Tips: Review surgical techniques, postoperative care, and emergency management in oral surgery.
9. Orthodontics
Focus Areas: Basics of diagnosis and management of malocclusion.
Key Concepts:
Growth and development of the craniofacial complex, principles of occlusion.
Types of malocclusion and appliances used in treatment (fixed and removable).
Basics of space management and interceptive orthodontics.
Tips: Focus on identifying different malocclusion types and understanding the mechanics of basic orthodontic appliances.
10. Pediatric Dentistry
Focus Areas: Dental care specific to children, including preventive and restorative care.
Key Concepts:
Behavior management techniques, pulp therapy for primary teeth, and stainless steel crowns.
Management of early childhood caries and space maintenance in mixed dentition.
Trauma management in pediatric patients (avulsion, fractures).
Tips: Study behavioral guidance, restorative techniques for primary teeth, and trauma protocols for children.
11. Dental Radiology
Focus Areas: Use of radiographs in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Key Concepts:
Radiographic interpretation of common dental pathologies and anatomical landmarks.
Principles of radiation safety, including ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles.
Techniques for taking intraoral and extraoral radiographs.
Tips: Review principles of radiographic interpretation, anatomy, and patient safety guidelines.
12. Patient Safety and Professionalism & Ethics
Focus Areas: Adherence to ethical and safety standards in dental practice.
Key Concepts:
Informed consent, patient confidentiality, and ethical considerations in treatment.
Infection control, including sterilization, disinfection, and handling of medical waste.
Communication skills, patient-centered care, and professional responsibility.
Tips: Emphasize infection control protocols, professional conduct, and effective communication strategies.
Study Recommendations
Blueprint-Based Preparation:
Allocate study time according to the weight of each topic, focusing on high-yield areas like operative dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics.
Core Textbooks and References:
Dental Anatomy and Occlusion by Wheeler
Endodontics: Principles and Practice by Torabinejad
Contemporary Orthodontics by William R. Proffit
Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology by Newman and Carranza
Basic Guide to Dental Procedures by Carole Hollins
Practice with Clinical Cases:
Familiarize yourself with clinical scenarios, including case-based questions to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
Mock Tests:
Take timed practice exams to build confidence, improve pacing, and familiarize yourself with question formats.
Review Guidelines and Protocols:
Focus on treatment guidelines for common dental diseases, preventive dentistry protocols, and infection control standards.