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OSCE -Objective Structured Clinical Exam for dentitsry.

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.


Photo courtesy -@indykadeer



Preparing for an OSCE


  • Most exams in the UK and also many other countries like Canada and Australia have this as a part of their licensure/conversion exams

  • This is also a common form or examination for undergraduates in most dental curriculums now.

  • Membership exams like MJDF and MFDS as well follow this pattern.

  • This is not an easy exam, as it tests the student at many levels mainly - core knowledge base, its application, communication skills, thinking on your toes, soft communication skills, patient management, handling of difficult situations, answering queries in a language the patient understands, a complete understanding of radiographic interpretation, prescriptions usage, the diagnosis from cast and radiographs - all of which are core to the safe practice of dentistry and an essential for GDP.

  • The exam consists of different stations (usually from 15-20 ) with each station examining the candidates' knowledge, interpersonal skills, communication, the ability to think on the toes, answer queries in a clear manner.

  • The stations could also have an actor - who would act either as a patient /patients parents/ a colleague and you will have to enact out certain scenarios as a dentist who is considerate, kind, can be in control of the situation. It could involve a medical emergency, explaining the treatment options and obtaining informed consent (treatment options, alternative treatment, advantages and disadvantages, the cost, the extent of the procedure, the pain relief, risks), explain a difficult situation - like a broken instrument to a patient, explaining radiographs taken of a full mouth.

  • There are a few options of how you can prepare for this part of the exam - which is usually a lot of acting out and learning to talk confidently with someone watching. Another method is by recording yourself do a scenario and then how you can improve.

  • The best way is to find a study partner and practice with each other. There is a lot of information and sample questions available on the net, I shall share a few here.



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