100+ Free NDSE Practice Questions
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Sample NDSE Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your NDSE 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 presents with spontaneous, lingering pain in tooth 36 that is worsened by heat and relieved by cold. The tooth responds exaggeratedly to thermal testing and is not tender to percussion. Which diagnosis best fits?
2During non-surgical root canal therapy, which irrigant combination is most effective for dissolving organic pulp tissue while also removing the inorganic smear layer?
3An 11-year-old falls and avulses an immature permanent maxillary central incisor with an open apex. The tooth is replanted within 20 minutes. What is the most appropriate long-term goal of management?
4Which apical anatomical landmark represents the narrowest portion of the canal and the ideal apical limit for cleaning, shaping, and obturation?
5A patient reports persistent pain after a completed root canal on tooth 16. A CBCT reveals an untreated second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal. This finding most directly illustrates the importance of which biomedical-science concept in endodontics?
6During apical microsurgery, which root-end filling material is favored for its biocompatibility, hydrophilic setting, and ability to stimulate hard-tissue formation?
7A patient with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular molar remains painful despite a successful inferior alveolar nerve block. Which supplemental technique is most reliably effective?
8Which radiographic feature most strongly suggests external cervical resorption rather than internal resorption?
9What is the principal rationale for placing an intracanal calcium hydroxide dressing between visits in a tooth with apical periodontitis?
10A tooth previously treated with root canal therapy shows a new periapical radiolucency and a sinus tract two years later. Cleaning, shaping, and obturation appear adequate radiographically. Which is the most appropriate next step?
About the NDSE Exam
The NDSE is the Canadian entry-to-practice competency examination for the nine recognized dental specialties, administered by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. It evaluates general specialty knowledge including basic sciences, clinical diagnosis, and treatment planning at the level required by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. The exam is delivered electronically over six hours at Prometric test centres in Canada and the United States.
Assessment
Specialty-specific six-hour electronic exam, generally two three-hour parts (Dental Public Health uses three two-hour parts), combining MCQ and constructed-response items.
Time Limit
Six hours total, delivered electronically with one or more breaks.
Passing Score
Pass/Fail determined by an RCDC criterion-referenced standard; the numeric cut score is not publicly published. Results are released within 10 weeks.
Exam Fee
2026: CAD $6,420 total (Candidate Management Fee $535 + Examination Fee $5,885). (Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC))
NDSE Exam Content Outline
Dental Public Health
Community oral health assessment, problem diagnosis, policy and program analysis, epidemiology, biostatistics, and communication of findings to decision-makers.
Endodontics
Biomedical sciences, non-surgical and surgical root canal therapy, diagnosis, treatment planning, pharmacology, trauma, anesthesia, and endodontic radiology.
Prosthodontics
Removable and fixed prostheses, dental-implant-supported prostheses, maxillofacial prosthetics, occlusion, materials, and management of medically compromised patients.
Pediatric Dentistry
Growth and development, cariology and prevention, behaviour guidance, pulp therapy, oro-facial trauma, pharmacology, and medical management of children.
Orthodontics
Etiology, diagnosis and treatment planning, biology of tooth movement, biomechanics and appliance design, patient management, growth modification, and statistics.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Trauma, dentoalveolar, orthognathic and reconstructive surgery, implants, TMD, cleft and craniofacial conditions, pathology, anesthesia, and sedation.
Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology
Microscopic diagnosis, basic medical sciences, diseases of the maxillofacial region, orofacial pain, and oral/dental management of complex medical conditions.
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Interpretation of diagnostic imaging, radiation sciences and imaging techniques including CBCT, head and neck anatomy, and head and neck pathology.
Periodontics
Non-surgical therapy, regenerative and resective surgery, dental implants and peri-implant disease, interdisciplinary therapy, and oral-systemic relationships.
How to Pass the NDSE Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Pass/Fail determined by an RCDC criterion-referenced standard; the numeric cut score is not publicly published. Results are released within 10 weeks.
- Assessment: Specialty-specific six-hour electronic exam, generally two three-hour parts (Dental Public Health uses three two-hour parts), combining MCQ and constructed-response items.
- Time limit: Six hours total, delivered electronically with one or more breaks.
- Exam fee: 2026: CAD $6,420 total (Candidate Management Fee $535 + Examination Fee $5,885).
Keys to Passing
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NDSE Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the NDSE and is it required for licensure?
The National Dental Specialty Examination is administered by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC). Successful completion is the entry-to-practice requirement for the nine recognized Canadian dental specialties before provincial registration.
How much does the 2026 NDSE cost?
For 2026, the total fee is CAD $6,420, made up of a non-refundable Candidate Management Fee of $535 and an Examination Fee of $5,885. Fees must be paid before the application window closes.
How long is the exam and how is it delivered?
The NDSE is a six-hour examination delivered electronically at Prometric test centres in Canada and the United States, generally in two three-hour parts. Dental Public Health is delivered in three two-hour parts.
How are results reported and how many specialties are recognized?
Results are reported as Pass or Fail and released within about 10 weeks of the examination. There are nine recognized dental specialties in Canada, each with its own blueprint.