100+ Free NDEB Virtual OSCE Practice Questions

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A composite restoration repeatedly debonds at the dentin interface. Review of technique shows the dentin was thoroughly air-dried until chalky white before applying an etch-and-rinse adhesive. What error does this represent?

Curing light too close to the surface

Over-drying dentin causing collapse of the collagen network

Insufficient etching time

Excessive moisture preventing primer penetration

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Sample NDEB Virtual OSCE Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NDEB Virtual OSCE exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 28-year-old patient presents with an asymptomatic occlusal lesion on tooth 36 that is confined to enamel on a bitewing radiograph, with an intact, hard, non-cavitated surface on probing. Which is the most appropriate management consistent with minimally invasive dentistry?

A.Immediate composite restoration of the occlusal surface

B.Non-restorative preventive management with fluoride and monitoring

C.Placement of a stainless steel crown

D.Full-coverage gold onlay

Explanation: Non-cavitated enamel lesions (incipient/initial caries) do not require restoration. The evidence-based standard is remineralization through topical fluoride, sealants, diet counselling and recall monitoring, preserving sound tooth structure.

2During placement of a posterior Class II composite restoration, the proximal box margin is located slightly subgingivally. Which step most effectively reduces moisture contamination and improves bond reliability at this margin?

A.Increasing the etch time to 60 seconds

B.Using a high-copper amalgam instead

C.Rubber dam isolation

D.Switching to a self-cure glass ionomer base only

Explanation: Rubber dam isolation provides the moisture control essential for predictable adhesive bonding, particularly at deep proximal margins where crevicular fluid and saliva readily contaminate the field. Contamination of etched dentin or primed surfaces markedly lowers bond strength.

3A bitewing shows a radiolucency extending into the inner third of dentin on the mesial of tooth 46, and the patient reports the contact catches floss and is sensitive to sweets. What is the most appropriate treatment?

A.Extraction

B.Application of fluoride varnish only

C.Pulpotomy

D.Restorative removal of caries and placement of a Class II restoration

Explanation: A lesion that has radiographically progressed into dentin with clinical cavitation (floss catching, symptoms) is beyond the threshold for non-operative management and requires caries removal and restoration of the proximal contour and contact.

4While preparing a deep Class I cavity, you reach a small area of carious dentin very close to the pulp in an asymptomatic vital tooth. Which approach best preserves pulp vitality according to current evidence?

A.Selective (partial) caries removal leaving firm affected dentin over the pulpal area

B.Complete excavation to hard dentin regardless of pulp exposure risk

C.Immediate pulpectomy

D.Place a sedative dressing and leave the tooth open

Explanation: Selective caries removal to firm dentin near the pulp avoids iatrogenic pulp exposure and preserves vitality, with the peripheral margins cleaned to hard dentin to ensure a sound seal. This is supported by contemporary cariology guidelines.

5A patient's amalgam restoration on tooth 37 shows a marginal ditch of about 0.4 mm with no caries, no pain, and no fracture. What is the most appropriate management?

A.Crown the tooth

B.Replace the entire restoration immediately

C.Monitor and reseal/repair only if breakdown or caries develops

D.Perform root canal therapy

Explanation: Minor marginal ditching without caries or symptoms does not warrant replacement; monitoring, polishing, or localized repair preserves tooth structure. Wholesale replacement enlarges the cavity and weakens the tooth (the repeat restoration cycle).

6After cementing a composite restoration, a patient reports sharp pain on biting that resolves on release of pressure, with no pain to cold. The restoration appears intact. What is the most likely cause?

A.Irreversible pulpitis

B.A high (premature) occlusal contact

C.Cracked tooth into the pulp

D.Galvanic reaction

Explanation: Pain on biting that resolves immediately on release, with normal pulp testing, classically indicates a hyperocclusion. Adjusting the occlusion with articulating paper resolves the symptom.

7Which isolation and matrix approach best restores a tight, properly contoured proximal contact in a posterior Class II composite?

A.No matrix, sculpting freehand

B.A flat Tofflemire band with no wedge

C.Mylar strip held by finger pressure

D.Sectional matrix with a separation ring and wedge

Explanation: A sectional matrix combined with a separation (G-ring) and wedge produces tooth separation and an anatomic proximal contour, creating a tight, physiologically correct contact that prevents food impaction.

8A patient has generalized cervical wear with shallow, wedge-shaped non-carious cervical lesions and reports aggressive horizontal brushing. Besides restoring symptomatic lesions, what is the most important management step?

A.Modify the toothbrushing technique and tools

B.Place full crowns on all affected teeth

C.Prescribe systemic fluoride supplements

D.Begin orthodontic treatment

Explanation: Non-carious cervical lesions from abrasion require addressing the etiology; correcting toothbrushing force and technique prevents recurrence. Restoring without behaviour change leads to repeated failure.

9A composite restoration repeatedly debonds at the dentin interface. Review of technique shows the dentin was thoroughly air-dried until chalky white before applying an etch-and-rinse adhesive. What error does this represent?

A.Insufficient etching time

B.Over-drying dentin causing collapse of the collagen network

C.Excessive moisture preventing primer penetration

D.Curing light too close to the surface

Explanation: With etch-and-rinse adhesives, dentin must be left moist ('wet bonding'); over-drying collapses the demineralized collagen matrix and prevents resin infiltration, weakening the hybrid layer and causing debonding.

10Which restorative material is generally most appropriate for a cervical (Class V) restoration in a high-caries-risk patient where moisture control is difficult and fluoride release is desirable?

A.Type IV gold inlay

B.Microfilled composite with total-etch

C.Dental amalgam

D.Glass ionomer cement

Explanation: Glass ionomer chemically bonds to tooth structure, tolerates moisture better than resin adhesives, and releases fluoride, making it well suited for cervical lesions in high-caries-risk patients with isolation challenges.

About the NDEB Virtual OSCE Exam

The Virtual OSCE is the NDEB's summative examination assessing the problem-solving and critical decision-making skills of beginning dental practitioners in Canada. It consists of 200 questions (50 single-answer MCQ and 150 case-based items) delivered over roughly 6 hours in a single day, and successful completion leads to NDEB certification required for Canadian dental licensure.

Assessment

200 questions in one day: 50 standard single-answer multiple-choice questions plus 150 case-based questions (single-answer, multi-answer/select-all, and short-answer prescription items) using vignettes, radiographs, photographs and charts.

Time Limit

Approximately 6 hours, delivered in two parts with a mandatory scheduled break

Passing Score

Test-equated rescaled score of 75 (pass/fail). The cut score is set by a modified Angoff standard-setting panel; 75 does not equal 75% of questions correct.

Exam Fee

CAD $1,750 (Virtual OSCE fee effective July 1, 2025), plus a one-time CAD $450 application fee (National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB))

NDEB Virtual OSCE Exam Content Outline

16%

Operative Dentistry

Caries management, restorations, isolation, bonding, occlusion and minimally invasive decision-making.

14%

Periodontics

Diagnosis, staging/grading, non-surgical and surgical therapy, maintenance and systemic links.

12%

Oral Medicine and Pathology

Mucosal/bony lesions, oral cancer screening, radiographic interpretation and medically complex patients.

12%

Pain

Pulpal and orofacial pain diagnosis, local anesthesia and analgesic management.

12%

Prevention and Management of Medical Emergencies

In-office emergency recognition and management plus care of medically complex patients.

10%

Endodontics

Pulp diagnosis, canal anatomy, irrigation, retreatment and restoring endodontic teeth.

10%

Prosthodontics

Fixed and removable prosthodontics, dentures, implants and esthetic decision-making.

Surgery

Extractions, impactions, surgical risk and complications, including space infections.

Orthodontics

Malocclusion classification, interceptive treatment, habits and referral.

How to Pass the NDEB Virtual OSCE Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Test-equated rescaled score of 75 (pass/fail). The cut score is set by a modified Angoff standard-setting panel; 75 does not equal 75% of questions correct.
Assessment: 200 questions in one day: 50 standard single-answer multiple-choice questions plus 150 case-based questions (single-answer, multi-answer/select-all, and short-answer prescription items) using vignettes, radiographs, photographs and charts.
Time limit: Approximately 6 hours, delivered in two parts with a mandatory scheduled break
Exam fee: CAD $1,750 (Virtual OSCE fee effective July 1, 2025), plus a one-time CAD $450 application fee

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NDEB Virtual OSCE Study Tips from Top Performers

1Weight your study toward the heaviest blueprint areas: Operative Dentistry (16%) and Periodontics (14%) together account for nearly a third of the exam, while Orthodontics is only 6%.

2Practice case-based reasoning, not recall: 150 of the 200 items present a vignette, radiograph, chart or photo and ask for the best diagnosis, treatment or management decision for a beginning Canadian practitioner.

3Learn the grading nuance of select-all items, where partial credit applies and unanswered single-answer questions carry no penalty, so never leave a single-answer MCQ blank.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NDEB Virtual OSCE?

The Virtual OSCE has 200 questions: 50 standard single-answer multiple-choice questions and 150 case-based questions, which may include photos, radiographs, charts and other supporting material.

What score do I need to pass the Virtual OSCE?

Candidates need a test-equated rescaled score of 75 to pass. This is not 75% of questions correct; the cut score is set through a modified Angoff standard-setting process and then rescaled to 75.

How much does the Virtual OSCE cost in 2026?

The Virtual OSCE fee is CAD $1,750 effective July 1, 2025, in addition to a one-time CAD $450 application fee. (Some older NDEB pages still list $2,000; the fees schedule reflects the reduced fee.)

How many times can I take the Virtual OSCE?

The Virtual OSCE can be taken a maximum of three times. It is administered three times a year, in March, May and November.