Overview of the examination

• Examination topics [+]
  

  Examination candidates must demonstrate that they satisfy the entry level competencies which applicants for registration as a dental therapist must meet in order to be registered.
   
  The examination will cover the following topics:

  • Dental caries - causes and prevention (includes diet, plaque, fluoride)
  • Dental caries (management of the deep carious lesion and minimal intervention dentistry)
  • Management of gingivitis
  • Recognition of periodontal disease and appropriate referral
  • Medical conditions - emergency procedures
  • Materials (indications, contraindications, advantages and disadvantages)
  • Local anaesthesia (including knowledge of nerves, muscles and anatomy)
  • Pain management
  • Trauma management
  • Orthodontics (Classification, referral)
  • Treaty of Waitangi
  • Social determinants of health
  • Health promotion
  • Legislation affecting the practice of dental therapy

   
  For more detail on the competencies required for registration as a dental therapist please click here
   
  

  COMPETENCY STANDARD	MEASURE
  Understand current scientific dental related knowledge   Understand current biological, physical, cultural, social and psychological factors which influence the attainment and maintenance of oral health.   Use these factors to inform best practice.	Demonstrates an understanding of biological, physical, cultural, social and psychological factors in dental therapy Able to communicate this knowledge to patients and the wider community Demonstrates familiarity with, and implementation of, 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.   Comply with Dental Council code of practice on Patient Information and Records.	Records show: An adequate medical history An adequate dental history Adequate charting demonstrating that all dental tissues and associated structures have been examined closely Evidence of posterior bitewing and periapical radiographs as appropriate to diagnose and manage dental caries Evidence of adopted Care/Treatment Plan Evidence of consent to Care/Treatment Plan received.
  Analyse client or patient information and plan an oral health care programme   Assess information to write a list which identifies problems and their causes.   Support the problem list with evidence.   Develop a written programme of interventions required to address the problem list including patient options, priorities, predictions of outcomes, and the extent and duration of intervention	Demonstrates and records: Accurate information on teeth present/missing or restored Potentially harmful conditions e.g. enamel caries, gingivitis, calculus Adequate, evidence based, prioritised preventive/treatment protocols including application of radiograph results where appropriate Period of recall/review according to DHB or practice criteria
  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	Provides patients and parents with full explanations and information to make informed decisions. Demonstrates clinical competence in   Preventative care: Places fissure sealants and preventive coatings according to DHB or practice criteria Applies topical fluorides based on the assessment of the caries risk of the patient and derived from DHB or practice protocols. Restorative intervention: Records decision as to need for restorative intervention Records decision as to selection of materials Considers any current DHB or practice guidelines in decision-making Restores integrity and function of tooth Alleviates pain Use of local anaesthetic: Uses correct solution and technique Confirms adequate anaesthesia achieved Radiography: Complies with guidelines for use of bitewing/periapical radiographs Relates radiographs to patients needs with relevant structures in view Ensures adequate film quality correctly mounted Ensures view ideal for diagnosis Maintains satisfactory radiation safety Uses bitewing and periapical radiographs as appropriate to diagnose and manage dental caries Applies preventative/treatment options based on depth of lesions identified in radiographs Records accurate radiography report Oral Health Promotion: Provides 'one on one' counsel and advice to encourage sound attitudes and practices Demonstrates a commitment to oral health promotion by working with other health personnel and/or educational staff where appropriate. Communicates importance of issues such as diet, smoking, etc on oral health Expresses a professional view on fluoride, amalgam and other topical public issues.
  Refer appropriately   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 therapist recertification programme or Dental Council minimum recertification requirements are fulfilled.	Obtains advice from other health professionals where necessary Has in place a written agreement with a dentist/s for professional advice Makes appropriate referrals Completes relevant documentation
  Assess the effectiveness of oral health strategies   Objectively assess both short term and long term outcomes of oral health strategies	Demonstrates an understanding of the prognosis for treatment strategies offered to individuals and to the community at large Communicates this knowledge to patients, parents and the wider community
  Communicate effectively   Communicate effectively with and/or educate patients, other health workers and the public on oral health matters.	With patients demonstrates: Good rapport and empathy Explanation of findings, treatment options and likely outcomes in easily understood language to ensure informed consent. Spoken English equivalent to 7.5 on the Academic Skills Category of the International English Language Testing System with no less than 7 in each of the four bands. Information is adapted to patient's level of comprehension Patient's understanding of the information provided is confirmed Patient dignity is assured With other health professionals Refers where necessary Seeks advice where necessary Contributes dental input to overall health treatment planning
  Provide culturally safe practice   See issues from the perspective of people of other cultures.   Adhere to the Treaty of Waitangi	Demonstrates a commitment to providing culturally safe practice including: Observes cultural etiquette where appropriate Considers cultural perspective in decision-making Practises in a way which respects each patients identity Facilitates the patient's access to services and resources Shows an understanding of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Demonstrates awareness of New Zealand's bicultural society and ensures that Maori receive dental therapy services that meet their needs.

   
  

   
  

• Structure of the examination [+]
  

  The Written Examination consists of two 3-hour papers.
   
  Paper 1 includes:

  • questions requiring essay and short written answers
  • some questions may ask you to apply your scientific knowledge to the delivery of dental therapy.

   
  Paper 2 is made up of:

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

   
  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.
   
  

   
  

• 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 NZDTREX attempts to undertake a course of re-training prior to commencing the third and final NZDTREX 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 [+]
  

  • 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 of New Zealand 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 NZDTREX Written Examination
  
• Eligibility Application Form and Fee
  
• Eligibility Criteria for the NZDTREX Clinical Examination
  
• Submitting NZDTREX Clinical Examination Enrolment Form and Fee
  
• Registering with Dental Council