May 2026
The exam will be updated to assess learning outcomes based on the new “Safe Practitioner Framework.” In Part 2 of LDS: the existing “Unseen Case” component will be replaced by a new six-case Structured Clinical Reasoning examination.
The structure of Part 2 will now consist of :
1. A 12-station OSCE (objective structured clinical exam) for patient-facing skills and communication.
2. A 6-case Structured Clinical Reasoning exam to assess diagnosis and treatment planning in a one-to-one candidate-examiner format (replacing the 4-case “unseen case” format).
This change aims to separate the assessment of hands-on, patient-facing skills from clinical reasoning skills, to better reflect real-world dental practice.
2. A 6-case Structured Clinical Reasoning exam to assess diagnosis and treatment planning in a one-to-one candidate-examiner format (replacing the 4-case “unseen case” format).
This change aims to separate the assessment of hands-on, patient-facing skills from clinical reasoning skills, to better reflect real-world dental practice.
What remains the same (or still relevant) ?
Part 1 continues as a written exam with two papers (Single Best Answer) covering clinically applied dental science, human disease, law, ethics, and safety.
Eligibility criteria for Part 2 and Part 3 — e.g. required hours of surgical experience, character reference, language requirements — remain largely unchanged for now.
Part 3 remains the practical clinical-skills (manikin-based) assessment of operative dentistry.
Eligibility criteria for Part 2 and Part 3 — e.g. required hours of surgical experience, character reference, language requirements — remain largely unchanged for now.
Part 3 remains the practical clinical-skills (manikin-based) assessment of operative dentistry.
Why these changes matter — what they mean for candidates?
The new format emphasises clinical reasoning + decision-making rather than recall — matching more closely what dentists do in real practice.
Separating OSCE (practical / communication / clinical-skills) from reasoning-based cases makes it more predictable what each part tests — helpful for focused preparation.
Candidates need to prepare not only for hands-on procedure skills but also for structured clinical reasoning, diagnosis, and treatment planning under exam conditions.
For those applying in 2025–2026: attention to changes is vital — ensure you know which format your sitting will follow.
Separating OSCE (practical / communication / clinical-skills) from reasoning-based cases makes it more predictable what each part tests — helpful for focused preparation.
Candidates need to prepare not only for hands-on procedure skills but also for structured clinical reasoning, diagnosis, and treatment planning under exam conditions.
For those applying in 2025–2026: attention to changes is vital — ensure you know which format your sitting will follow.
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