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100+ Free NMLE Stomatology Practice Questions

Prepare for the China National Medical Licensing Examination for Stomatology Practitioners (口腔执业医师资格考试) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NMLE Stomatology Exam

600 MCQs

Total questions in Comprehensive Written Exam

NMEC Examination Syllabus

4 Units

Testing sessions (150 MCQs / 120 min each)

NMEC Computer-Based Testing Plan

360 / 600

National fixed passing score (60%)

National Health Commission / NMEC Policy

6 Stations

Practical Skills Examination format

NMEC Practical Skills Assessment Standard

60 / 100

Passing cutoff for Practical Skills Exam

NMEC Practical Skills Guidelines

2 Years

Practical Skills score validity at National Bases

NMEC Multi-Year Policy (since 2020)

The China NMLE Stomatology Examination (口腔执业医师资格考试) is China's official national dental licensing exam. Administered by NMEC, the qualification consists of a 6-station Practical Skills Examination (passing score 60/100) followed by a 4-unit, 600-question Computer-Based Comprehensive Written Examination with a national fixed passing cutoff of 360/600 (60%). Core tested domains include Oral Basic Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology ~20%), Cariology, Endodontics, Periodontics & Mucosal Diseases (~30%), Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (~25%), Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics (~20%), and Preventive Dentistry & Health Regulations (~5%).

Sample NMLE Stomatology Practice Questions

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

1On the permanent maxillary first molar (上颌第一磨牙), on which anatomical surface and cusp is the fifth cusp (Cusp of Carabelli / 卡氏尖) typically located?
A.Lingual surface of the mesiolingual cusp (近中舌尖的舌侧面)
B.Buccal surface of the mesiobuccal cusp (近中颊尖的颊侧面)
C.Lingual surface of the distolingual cusp (远中舌尖的舌侧面)
D.Occlusal surface of the distobuccal cusp (远中颊尖的牙合面)
Explanation: The cusp of Carabelli (卡氏尖) is an accessory tubercle found predominantly on the lingual surface of the mesiolingual cusp of the permanent maxillary first molar (and primary maxillary second molar). It is a key morphological landmark in dental anatomy and anthropological identification.
2In the permanent mandibular first molar (下颌第一磨牙), what is the most common anatomical configuration of root canals in the mesial root (近中根)?
A.A single wide oval canal (单根管型)
B.Two separate canals with two apical foramina: Vertucci Type IV (双根管双根尖孔型)
C.Three independent canals with separate foramina (三根管型)
D.A C-shaped fused canal system (C形根管系统)
Explanation: The mesial root of the permanent mandibular first molar most commonly contains two distinct root canals (mesiobuccal / MB and mesiolingual / ML) with two separate apical foramina (Vertucci Type IV: 2-2) or fusing near the apex (Vertucci Type II: 2-1).
3Which pulp horn (髓角) in the crown of the permanent mandibular first molar is the highest and most susceptible to accidental exposure during cavity preparation?
A.Mesiobuccal pulp horn (近中颊侧髓角)
B.Distobuccal pulp horn (远中颊侧髓角)
C.Distal pulp horn (远中髓角)
D.Mesiolingual pulp horn (近中舌侧髓角)
Explanation: In the mandibular first molar, the mesiobuccal pulp horn (近中颊侧髓角) is anatomically the highest and largest, projecting furthest toward the occlusal surface. Clinicians must be particularly cautious during occlusal cavity preparation to prevent accidental mechanical exposure.
4In the temporomandibular joint (颞下颌关节, TMJ), which zone of the articular disc (关节盘) is avascular and aneural, and serves as the primary load-bearing area during mandibular function?
A.Anterior band (前带)
B.Intermediate zone (中间带)
C.Posterior band (后带)
D.Bilaminar retrodiscal zone (双板区 / 关节盘后区)
Explanation: The articular disc is divided into anterior band, intermediate zone, posterior band, and bilaminar zone. The intermediate zone (中间带) is the thinnest, contains no blood vessels or nerve fibers, and is positioned between the condyle and articular tubercle to bear functional masticatory loads.
5Which muscle of mastication is primarily responsible for the protrusion (前伸运动) and initial depression of the mandible when contracting bilaterally?
A.Masseter muscle (咬肌)
B.Temporalis muscle (颞肌)
C.Medial pterygoid muscle (翼内肌)
D.Lateral pterygoid muscle (翼外肌)
Explanation: Bilateral contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscles (翼外肌, especially the inferior bellies) pulls the condyles and articular discs forward and downward along the articular eminences, resulting in mandibular protrusion and depression (mouth opening).
6In Posselt's envelope of border movements (Posselt下颌运动轨迹), what is the relationship between the Centric Relation (正中关系 / 牙后退接触位) and Intercuspal Position (牙尖交错位 / 正中牙合) in approximately 90% of the normal population?
A.Centric relation coincides exactly with the intercuspal position with zero slide
B.Intercuspal position is 0.5–1.0 mm anterior and superior to centric relation (long centric / 前向滑动)
C.Intercuspal position is 2.0–4.0 mm posterior to centric relation
D.Intercuspal position is lateral to centric relation on the non-working side
Explanation: In ~90% of natural dentitions, the condyle in Centric Relation (CR) is in its most retruded, unstrained position in the glenoid fossa. When moving from CR to the maximum intercuspal position (ICP/CO), the mandible slides anteriorly and slightly superiorly by approximately 0.5–1.0 mm (the classic 'slide in centric' or 'long centric').
7Which branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3 / 下颌神经) passes between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle to supply sensory innervation to the cheek skin and buccal gingiva of the mandibular molars?
A.Inferior alveolar nerve (下牙槽神经)
B.Lingual nerve (舌神经)
C.Buccal nerve / Long buccal nerve (颊神经)
D.Auriculotemporal nerve (耳颞神经)
Explanation: The buccal nerve (颊神经 / long buccal nerve) branches from the anterior trunk of CN V3, passes between the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle, crosses the anterior border of the ramus, and provides sensory innervation to the cheek mucosa, skin, and buccal gingiva adjacent to the mandibular molars.
8During surgery involving the parotid gland or submandibular incision, injury to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (面神经下颌边缘支) will result in which clinical manifestation?
A.Inability to close the eyelid (眼睑闭合不全 / 兔眼)
B.Drooping of the corner of the mouth and inability to pull the lower lip downward and outward (口角下垂及下唇不能向下外侧运动)
C.Loss of forehead wrinkling on the affected side (额纹消失)
D.Deviation of the tongue on protrusion (伸舌偏斜)
Explanation: The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve innervates the depressor anguli oris, depressor labii inferioris, and mentalis muscles. Injury causes paralysis of the lower lip depressors, producing an asymmetric smile with elevation of the affected corner and inability to evert/depress the lower lip.
9Where does the main excretory duct of the submandibular gland (Wharton's duct / 下颌下腺导管) open into the oral cavity?
A.Sublingual caruncle beside the lingual frenum (舌系带旁的舌下肉阜)
B.Buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary second molar (上颌第二磨牙相对的颊黏膜)
C.Sublingual fold (舌下襞上的多个小孔)
D.Incisive papilla (切牙乳头)
Explanation: Wharton's duct travels forward in the sublingual space between the mylohyoid and hyoglossus muscles, loops over the lingual nerve, and opens at the sublingual caruncle (舌下肉阜) located on either side of the lingual frenulum.
10During the bell stage (钟状期) of tooth germ development, which embryonic cellular layer differentiates first to initiate the reciprocal induction cascade of dentinogenesis and amelogenesis?
A.Outer enamel epithelium (外釉上皮)
B.Stellate reticulum (星网状层)
C.Dental papilla peripheral cells into pre-odontoblasts following inner enamel epithelium differentiation (内釉上皮诱导牙乳头分化成牙本质细胞)
D.Dental follicle cells into cementoblasts (牙囊细胞分化成成牙骨质细胞)
Explanation: During the bell stage, inner enamel epithelial (IEE) cells elongate into pre-ameloblasts, which induce the adjacent peripheral cells of the dental papilla to differentiate into odontoblasts. Odontoblasts secrete predentin first; the presence of dentin then triggers ameloblasts to secrete enamel matrix.

About the NMLE Stomatology Exam

The China National Medical Licensing Examination for Stomatology Practitioners (口腔执业医师资格考试) is the statutory qualification examination administered by the National Medical Examination Center (NMEC) under the National Health Commission of the PRC. It evaluates the clinical knowledge, diagnostic acumen, treatment planning, and professional competence required to obtain a medical practitioner qualification in stomatology (dentistry). The exam consists of two sequential phases: the Stage 1 Practical Skills Examination (实践技能考试, 6 stations, 100 points, passing score 60) and the Stage 2 Comprehensive Written Examination (医学综合考试, 4 computer-based units, 600 MCQs, passing score 360). Tested subjects encompass Oral Anatomy & Physiology, Oral Histopathology, Cariology & Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral Mucosal Diseases, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, Preventive Dentistry, Medical Ethics, and PRC Health Regulations.

Questions

600 scored questions

Time Limit

4 units × 120 minutes (8 hours total across 2 days)

Passing Score

360 / 600 (fixed passing cutoff for the Comprehensive Written Examination)

Exam Fee

RMB 200–400 (determined by provincial health departments) (National Medical Examination Center (国家医学考试中心 / NMEC))

NMLE Stomatology Exam Content Outline

20%

Oral Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology (口腔解剖生理学与口腔组织病理学)

Tooth morphology, root canal anatomy, occlusion, TMJ anatomy and biomechanics, muscles of mastication, trigeminal and facial nerves, major salivary glands, tooth development (odontogenesis), enamel/dentin/cementum histology, pulp-dentin complex, periodontal tissue biology, odontogenic cysts (periapical, dentigerous, keratocyst), odontogenic tumors (ameloblastoma, odontoma), salivary gland tumors (pleomorphic adenoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma), and epithelial dysplasia/carcinoma.

30%

Cariology, Endodontics, Periodontics & Oral Mucosal Diseases (牙体牙髓病学、牙周病学与口腔黏膜病学)

Dental caries etiology (microbiology, plaque, diet), cavity classification and Black's principles, adhesive restoration, pulpitis pathogenesis and differential diagnosis, reversible vs irreversible pulpitis, root canal preparation, working length determination, irrigants (sodium hypochlorite, EDTA), 3D root canal obturation, periapical periodontitis, periodontal pathogen complexes (red complex), gingivitis, stage/grade periodontitis classification, scaling and root planing (SRP), periodontal flap surgery and guided tissue regeneration (GTR), recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, oral leukoplakia, and pemphigus vulgaris.

25%

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (口腔颌面外科学)

Local anesthesia techniques (inferior alveolar, PSA, mental, incisive nerve blocks) and systemic toxicity/complications, tooth extraction biomechanics, surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars (阻生齿拔除), odontogenic fascial space infections (canine, buccal, submandibular, pterygomandibular, submasseteric, Ludwig's angina), maxillofacial trauma, Le Fort I/II/III maxillary fractures, mandibular fractures, zygomaticomaxillary fractures, salivary gland diseases (sialadenitis, sialolithiasis, ranula), TMJ ankylosis and anterior disc displacement, cleft lip and palate, and TNM staging/management of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

20%

Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics (口腔修复学、儿童口腔医学与口腔正畸学)

Principles of fixed prosthodontics, tooth preparation margins (chamfer, shoulder), bridge design and abutment evaluation (Ante's law), removable partial denture (RPD) components, surveyor lines, clasps (Akers, Roach), major connectors, complete denture border molding, retention and stability, vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and centric relation (CR), implant prosthetics, primary dentition anatomy and root resorption patterns, early childhood caries (ECC), pediatric pulpotomy (formocresol, ferric sulfate, MTA), apexification and apexogenesis, space maintainers, Angle's malocclusion classification, and orthodontic cephalometric basics.

5%

Preventive Dentistry, Medical Ethics & Health Regulations (口腔预防医学、医学伦理学与卫生法规)

Oral epidemiology, DMFT/dmft indices, Community Periodontal Index (CPI), community water fluoridation, fluoride varnish/gel application, pit and fissure sealant technique, standard precautions and dental cross-infection control, autoclave sterilization monitoring, PRC Physicians Law (《中华人民共和国医师法》), medical ethics and patient autonomy, and infectious disease reporting requirements.

How to Pass the NMLE Stomatology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 360 / 600 (fixed passing cutoff for the Comprehensive Written Examination)
  • Exam length: 600 questions
  • Time limit: 4 units × 120 minutes (8 hours total across 2 days)
  • Exam fee: RMB 200–400 (determined by provincial health departments)

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

NMLE Stomatology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Prioritize Oral Clinical Medicine (口腔临床医学): Cariology & Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and Prosthodontics together account for more than 60% of the total score.
2Master local anesthesia nerve blocks and anatomical landmarks: Memorize the injection depths, anatomical references, and target nerves for inferior alveolar, posterior superior alveolar, mental, and incisive nerve blocks cold.
3Master pulpitis and periapical disease differentials: Clearly differentiate reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic), pulp necrosis, acute periapical abscess, and periapical granuloma/cyst.
4Learn periodontal diagnosis and staging: Understand probing depths, clinical attachment loss (CAL), furcation involvement classifications (Glickman I–IV), and the distinction between gingivitis and periodontitis.
5Review surgical fascial spaces: Memorize the boundaries, clinical presentations, and surgical incision routes for submandibular, buccal, masseteric, pterygomandibular, and canine spaces, as well as Ludwig's angina (口底多间隙感染).
6Memorize RPD design and clasps: Understand surveyor lines (Class I, II, III), Akers clasp placement, Roach bar clasps, major connector selection, and Ante's law for fixed partial dentures.
7Consolidate dental pathology hallmarks: Recognize pathognomonic histology features: ameloblastoma (stellate reticulum, reverse polarization), odontogenic keratocyst (wavy parakeratin, palisaded basal layer, high recurrence), and pleomorphic adenoma (ductal and myoepithelial elements in chondromyxoid stroma).
8Review health regulations under the PRC Physicians Law (《医师法》): Know legal provisions on informed consent, medical record documentation, emergency treatment obligations, and legal liabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for China's NMLE Stomatology examination?

The National Medical Examination Center (NMEC) uses a fixed national passing score of 360 points out of 600 (60%) for the Stage 2 Comprehensive Written Examination for Stomatology Practitioners (口腔执业医师). For Stomatology Assistant Practitioners (口腔执业助理医师), the passing threshold is 180 out of 300 points.

What are the two stages of the Stomatology Practitioner Licensing Exam?

The examination comprises: (1) Stage 1 Practical Skills Examination (实践技能考试) administered in June, featuring 6 clinical stations assessing oral examination, operative skills, clinical case presentation, radiographic reading, and emergency CPR (pass score 60/100); and (2) Stage 2 Comprehensive Written Examination (医学综合考试) administered in August via computer across 4 units (600 MCQs total).

How are the four units of the written exam organized?

Each unit consists of 150 multiple-choice questions with a 120-minute time limit. Unit 1 focuses on Basic Medical Sciences, Oral Anatomy & Physiology, Oral Pathology, and Medical Humanities; Unit 2 focuses on Cariology & Endodontics, Periodontics, Mucosal Diseases, and Preventive Dentistry; Unit 3 focuses on Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and General Clinical Medicine; and Unit 4 focuses on Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Orthodontics.

What question formats are used in the computer-based written exam?

All questions are multiple choice, featuring A1 (single-sentence best answer), A2 (clinical case summary), A3/A4 (case cluster and evolving multi-question clinical scenarios), and B1 (matching pairs sharing a common option list). All questions test clinical reasoning and diagnostic decision-making.

What are the eligibility requirements for the NMLE Stomatology exam?

Candidates must hold an accredited Bachelor's degree (本科) in Stomatology (口腔医学) and have completed at least 1 full year of supervised clinical practice/internship in a licensed healthcare institution, or hold an Assistant Stomatologist qualification with 2 years (Junior College / 专科) or 5 years (Secondary Vocational / 中专) of registered clinical experience.

How long does a Practical Skills Exam pass remain valid?

Under National Medical Examination Center policies implemented in 2020, candidates who pass the Stage 1 Practical Skills Examination at an accredited National Practical Skills Examination Base retain their passing score for 2 consecutive years, meaning they do not need to re-sit the skills exam if they retake the written exam the following year.