Australia is home to a world-class healthcare system, and if you are a qualified dentist, who is dreaming to be a part of it, then this blog is for you.

Missing to read ahead, might mean missing out on your dream to become a practicing dental expert in Australia. Australian Dental Council (ADC) conducts assessments twice every year. So for all overseas dentists, aspiring to practice in Australia, the journey starts with the ADC Examination.

This Examination is done in 2 parts.

In this blog we are going to focus precisely on Part 1. And by the end of this blog, you would have received an in-depth guide to the process, syllabus, and preparation tips to help you successfully clear this crucial phase.

Part 1 is mainly a written examination. But it has 2 stages.

  1. Initial Assessment
  2. Written Examination
Initial Assessment: Your First Step

Before moving to the Stage 2, i.e. the ADC Part 1 Written Examination, completing the initial assessment is mandatory. This stage evaluates your eligibility based on your educational background, work experience, and professional standing.

Eligibility Criteria for Initial Assessment

To apply for the initial assessment, you must:

  1. Hold a four-year, full-time university dental degree or diploma from a recognised institution.
  2. Have held full and unrestricted registration or licence in your home country or the country of training. And there should not be any withdrawal or suspension of registration.
  1. Create and ADC Connect Account.
  2. Submit an application with all required documents to the ADC.
  3. Receive confirmation of eligibility from the ADC.

To ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, and for information on required documents and other details, please visit (https://www.adc.org.au); or you can also refer to our detailed Step By Step Guide for applying to ADC Exam, at https://winspert.com/adc-exam-registration-guide-australian-dental-council/

And then comes the Stage 2… ADC Part 1 Written Examination

So… What is the ADC Part 1 Written Examination?

This structured approach ensures a thorough evaluation of your dental knowledge and clinical reasoning skills.

The ADC Part 1 Examination is a computer-based written test designed to assess your knowledge, clinical judgement, and reasoning in dentistry. It ensures that overseas-qualified dentists meet Australian standards of practice before moving to the practical exam (Part 2). The test consists of MCQs and questions are based on clinical scenarios and applied knowledge.

If you are wondering about ADC Exam Venues, please note that this exam is conducted at Pearson VUE centres worldwide. As mentioned earlier, it is organised twice a year, in March & in September.

Once you have received the eligibility confirmation from ADC after your initial assessment, all you have to do stay active on your ADC Connect profile. You will get your application link there once the application period starts.

Complete your application by following the provided instructions and paying the required application fee. Once your payment has been processed, you will receive an email confirming that your application has been successfully submitted. Additionally, your ADC Connect profile will be updated to reflect your registration for the written examination.

 Then just book your venue, and reach there in time… all prepared!!!

For specific details on registration process, examination format, fee etc., you can also refer to our detailed Step By Step Guide for applying to ADC Exam, at https://winspert.com/adc-exam-registration-guide-australian-dental-council/

Syllabus

“What to prepare for ADC Part 1 Written Examination” is the key question at this point.

The syllabus is actually a cross net of domains and disciplines. Questions are designed to assess competencies across the following domains:

  1. Professionalism
  2. Heath Promotion
  3. Patient Care – Clinical information gathering
  4. Patient Care – Diagnosis and management planning
  5. Patient Care – Clinical treatment and evaluation

And then there are disciplines which are assessed. The examination is created in line with the blueprint of the assessment. A certain target percentage of questions is reserved for each discipline. The disciplines are:

  1. Dental Emergencies (7%)
  2. Endodontics 8%
  3. General medicine (inc. medical emergencies and special needs dentistry) 9%
  4. Infection prevention and control 5%
  5. Oral medicine and pathology 9%
  6. Oral surgery 8%
  7. Paediatric dentistry and orthodontics 8%
  8. Pain and behaviour management 7%
  9. Periodontics 8%
  10. Preventive dentistry 8%
  11. Radiography 5%
  12. Removable prosthodontics 6%
  13. Restorative dentistry (inc. fixed prosthodontics) (12%)

And there are 2 Subdisciplines, which are assessed across multiple disciplines. They are

  1. Implants 4%
  2. Pharmacology 10%

Pasted below is the ADC written examination blueprint, as you may also find in the handbook provided on the official website of ADC, (https://www.adc.org.au).

Once we are clear with the question “What to prepare for ADC Part 1 Examination?”, we move to the next imperative question “How to prepare for ADC Part 1 Examination?”

Preparation

There are many things you ought to do as you start preparing for ADC Part 1 Examination. It is highly recommended you give yourself at least 3-4 months for preparing for the same.

Step 1: Familiarise yourself with the syllabus and format of the examination. We have already gone through the syllabus. Let’s have a look at the format –

The ADC Part 1 written examination is a computer-delivered test conducted over two consecutive days. Below are the main details:

  1. Duration and Structure:
    • The exam consists of a total of 280 multiple-choice questions, divided into four sections.
    • Each section contains 70 questions.
  2. Time Allocation:
    • You are given two hours to complete each section.
    • Day 1: Two sections will be scheduled.
    • Day 2: The remaining two sections will take place.
  3. Content Coverage:
    • Each section features a mix of questions derived from the examination blueprint, ensuring comprehensive assessment across various topics in dentistry.

Step 2: Identify Knowledge Gaps – Pinpoint the areas that need more attention by reviewing practice questions and analysing past examination trends.

Step 3: Plan Your Study Schedule – Design a realistic study plan, allocating ample time to each subject based on its complexity and your familiarity.

Step 4: Gather Quality Resources – Use trusted study materials, including recommended textbooks, online resources, and guides specifically created for the ADC exam.

Step 5: Practice Regularly – Familiarise yourself with the exam structure by solving past papers and taking mock exams. This will help improve your accuracy and speed under timed conditions.

Step 6: Join a Course or Study Group – Consider enrolling in an ADC coaching program or collaborating with other aspirants in a study group. Sharing insights and discussing topics can enhance your understanding. Just like Winspert.

Step 7: Focus on Clinical Application – Go beyond rote learning and practise applying theoretical knowledge to real-life clinical scenarios.

Step 8: Master Time Management – Develop techniques to manage your time effectively during the exam. Build up speed for each section individually. 

Step 9: Seek Constructive Feedback – Engage with mentors, experienced dentists, or tutors to review your mock exams and practice questions. Their feedback can help you improve.

Step 10: Manage Exam Day Stress – Adopt relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to reduce anxiety. A calm and focused mindset is key to performing well.

             While all this will help you ace your preparation game, there are still a few points you must remember:

  1. Stay updated: Check the ADC website for any changes in the exam format or syllabus.
  2. English language proficiency: Ensure your English language skills are adequate to understand the exam questions.
  3. Prioritise your health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise to optimize your focus and concentration.

The ADC Part 1 Examination is a significant milestone in your journey to practise dentistry in Australia. With thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the process, you can pass the exam and take a step closer to achieving your professional goals. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to leave a comment below.

Good luck with your ADC Part 1 journey!