Overview of the examination

• Competencies required:

  Examination candidates must demonstrate that they satisfy the entry level competencies which applicants for registration as a dental hygienist must meet in order to be registered.
   
  A competent dental hygienist is one who applies knowledge, skills, attitudes, communication and judgement to the delivery of appropriate oral health care in accordance with the scope of practice within which they are registered.
   
  In assessing how well a practitioner is working consideration needs to be given to the actual demonstration of competence through performance measures and outputs. [+]
  
  

  COMPETENCY STANDARD	MEASURE
  Understand current scientific dental related knowledge Understand current biological, physical, cultural, social and psychological factors involved in dental and oral disease and the attainment and maintenance of oral health.	1. Demonstrate an understanding of biological, physical, cultural, social and psychological factors in dental hygiene. 2. Able to communicate this knowledge to patients and the wider community. 3. Familiar with oral health maintenance programmes
  Obtain patient information Obtain by interview and examination patient information relevant to the delivery of oral health care and record this information logically, legibly and securely.	Records show:   1. An adequate medical history. 2. An adequate dental history 3. Adequate charting which shows that all dental tissues and associated structures have been examined closely 4. Appropriate radiographs taken of adequate diagnostic quality 5. Compliance with the Dental Council Code of Practice Patient information and Records 6. Logical and legible format 7. Patient confidentiality maintained
  Analyse patient information and plan an oral health care programme Assess information to identify oral health problems and formulate an evidence based dental hygiene care plan that addresses the aetiology of dental and oral disease, the attainment or maintenance of oral health, priority of management, patient options,  anticipated  outcomes and the duration of treatment.	Demonstrates and records   1. Adequate, evidence based, prioritised dental hygiene treatment plan. 2. Easily understood options. 3. Instructions given for prevention 4. Recall arrangements made. 5. Advice sought from another practitioner
  Provide or make provision for oral health care Communicate the requirements of an oral health care plan to patients in order to obtain informed consent and where necessary carry out agreed procedures and manage any complications.	Demonstration of clinical competence:   1. DCNZ Code of Practices   2. Radiography Related to patients needs with relevant structures in vie. Adequate film quality correctly mounted Radiation safety compliance Accurate report recorded 3. Clinical Records Adequate and correctly labeled extra and intra oral photographs Adequate and correctly trimmed  models 4.  Periodontal management Detection and debridement of plaque and calculus from supra and subgingival tooth surfaces Predisposing factors addressed Appropriate self care instructions given and recorded Placement and removal of periodontal dressing Removal of sutures Recall regime in place Adequate management of acute periodontal infection Appropriate referral 5. Preventive Care Fissure sealants Construction and fitting of mouthguards Recontouring and polishing of restorations Application of non prescriptive preventive agents Supervised application of prescriptive preventive agents Topical agents for treatment of tooth sensitivity and tooth discolouration 6. Local anaesthetic Supervised administration Correct solution and technique used Adequate anaesthesia achieved Understanding and appropriate management of complications 7. Orthodontics Correct placement of appliances Appropriate removal of composite and cement Replacement of O rings and loose bands De-bonding and de-banding
  Know when to refer Refer for advice and/or treatment where diagnosis and treatment planning indicates that the patient requires a level of knowledge and/or skills greater than those of the dental hygienist	Able to demonstrate that:   1. Appropriate referrals made. 2. Advice obtained from other health professionals where necessary. 3. Correct documentation
  Be able to assess the effectiveness of oral health strategies Objectively assess both short-term and long-term outcomes of oral health strategies.	1. Demonstrate an understanding of the prognosis for treatment strategies offered to individuals 2. Able to communicate this knowledge to patients
  Communicate effectively Communicate effectively with and/or educate patients, other health workers and the public on oral health matters.	1. With patients demonstrates: Good rapport Empathy Adequate history taking technique Explanation of findings, treatment options and likely outcomes in easily understood language. Assurance of patient dignity 2. With other health professionals Referrals where necessary Seeks advice where necessary Contribute dental hygiene input to overall health treatment planning 3. With general public able to Promote oral health Communicate importance of issues such as diet and smoking on oral health
  Understand scientific methodology Undertake research and/or analyse relevant scientific literature and apply findings to the delivery of appropriate oral health care.	Demonstrates understanding of current issues including: Recent developments in dental hygiene Evidential base of dental hygiene practice of new materials and treatment techniques based on research.
  Maintain competence Maintain competence by monitoring the outcomes of oral health care delivery, and undertaking continuing personal professional development.	Demonstrates:   1. Compliance to DCNZ codes of practice 2. Fulfils requirements of a recognised recertification programme or DCNZ minimum recertification requirements
  Understands the ethical responsibilities and legal requirements of practicing in an oral health workplace Understands the ethical responsibilities and legislation concerning the safe practice of dental hygiene in New Zealand	1. Demonstrates familiarity with legislation relevant to dental hygiene practice including: Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act Health and Disabilities Services Consumer Rights Radiation Protection Medicines and Misuse of Drugs Acts Privacy Act and the Health Information Privacy Code Restrictive Trade Practices Fair Trading Act Occupational Safety and Health Children Young Persons and their Families Act - specifically the protection of children. Employment issues if appropriate 2. Demonstrate an understanding of : Ethical standards Multiculturalism Establishing sexual boundaries

   
  
   
  

• Structure of the examination [+]
  

  The Written Examination consists of two 3-hour papers. It assesses your knowledge and understanding of the scientific bases of contemporary dental hygiene and how to apply that knowledge.
   
  Paper A includes:

  • questions requiring essay and short written answers
  • some questions may require you to demonstrate an ability to analyse and evaluate current knowledge

   
  You should note the meanings of the following three terms frequently used in the examination:
  Discuss: examine by argument. Involves logical critical appraisal of an issue
  Describe: description of characteristics
  Write (brief) notes on: short sentences or phrases. Tables, lists and/or diagrams may be used.
   
  The last two terms are often used in questions that enable you to demonstrate your breadth of knowledge.
   
  Paper B is made up of:

  • One hour of 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Two hours of Visual Interpretation in the form of images and radiographs illustrating clinical conditions with questions requiring short written answers

   
  For paper A you will enter the examination room 15 minutes before you start to write. You will have five minutes to read the instructions and 10 minutes to read the examination questions.
   
  

   
  

• Passing criteria [+]
  

  To pass the Written Examination you must achieve passes (C-) in each of the two papers.
   
  

   
  

• Attempts policy [+]
  

  Applicants who have failed any component (written and clinical examinations combined) three times collectively, within three years from the date of first sitting the written examination, will NOT be permitted re-entry into the examinations.
   
  Council strongly advises applicants who have two failed NZDHREX attempts to undertake a course of re-training prior to commencing the third and final NZDHREX attempt.
   
  

   
  

• Validity of Results [+]
  

  Applicants have three years from the date of first sitting the written examination to pass both examination components. If an applicant fails to pass the written and clinical examinations within the three-year period they will not be eligible for registration in New Zealand through the New Zealand Dental Registration Examinations pathway.
   
  

   
  

• Appeals [+]
  

  To appeal a written examination results you must make an application in writing to the Dental Council within four weeks from the date of the result's notification.
   
  

   
  

General

• Examination rules [+]
  

  • If you arrive more than 45 minutes after the examination starts, you will not be permitted to take the examination.
  • Take only pens and pencils into the examination room.
  • Do not take any book, written or printed matter, electronic devices capable of storing or processing data, telephones, blank paper, or information in any form.
  • You must not communicate with anyone about the exam questions;
  • You must not copy from another candidate's answers,
  • You must not communicate directly with the examiners.
  • If your writing is not legible, your answers cannot be assessed
  • If a candidate breaks any examination rule their paper will not be marked.
  • Clear, detailed instructions about seating, timing, labelling of papers will be given at the time of the examination which all applicants must follow accurately.

   
  

   
  

• Preparation tips [+]
  

  • Try to rest before the examination.
  • Dress comfortably.
  • Allow time for travel.
  • Locate the venue for each component of the examination the day before the examination.
  • Bring a watch.
  • Practise your English.
  • If you are uncertain about any instruction or question from the examiners, ask for clarification.

   
  

   
  

Reference material [+]

Logistics and Administration

• Enrolment form [+]
  

  The Dental Council will assess your eligibility to enrol in the written examination.
   
  

   
  

• Venue [+]
  

  The specific venue will be confirmed to the candidates for each individual examination.
   
  All visa and travel arrangements, if applicable, are the applicant's own responsibility. Failure to undertake the examination because of an inability to obtain necessary visas or to arrange travel, etc will be considered as a withdrawal and withdrawal fees will apply.
   
  You are required to produce proof of identity, usually a passport and the exam ID card. Any other details will be provided prior to the examination by the venue organizers.
   
  

   
  

• Examination fees [+]
  

  The examination fee (see fees page) is payable in advance to the Dental Council by all applicants sitting the examination.
   
  The fee is set at a threshold of 4 applicants writing the examination. The fee will reduce where there are a total of 5 or more applicants enrolled for the written examination. Enrolled applicants will be refunded the difference after the registration closing date if 5 or more applicants enrolled.
   
  To repeat the examination a separate application must be submitted and an additional application fee paid.
   
  

   
  

• Withdrawal Fees [+]
  

  A withdrawal fee would apply for any cancellation.
   
  

  Notice of withdrawal from examination received before closing date	20% of fee will be forfeited
  Notice of withdrawal from examination received after the closing date and at least 14 days before the examination date	50% of fee will be forfeited
  Notice of withdrawal from examination received less than 14 days before the examination date	100% of fee will be forfeited (unless a medical certificate can be supplied, in which case 40% of the fee will be forfeited)

   
  Please note: All withdrawal notifications should be sent directly to the Dental Council.
   
  

   
  

• Results [+]
  

  The Dental Council will advise you of your written examination results as soon as practicable. Results are usually released 10 to 12 weeks after the examination date.
   
  Please note that NO results will be given by phone, fax or email.
   
  

   
  

Further Information

• Eligibility Criteria for the NZDHREX Written Examination
  
• Eligibility Application Form and Fee
  
• Eligibility Criteria for the NZDHREX Clinical Examination
  
• Submitting NZDHREX Clinical Examination Enrolment Form and Fee
  
• Registering with Dental Council