Free Practice Questions for Esame di Stato Odontoiatra

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Key Facts: Esame di Stato Odontoiatra Exam

2 clinical cases

Exam format: 1 oral examination discussing two multidisciplinary clinical cases

Decreto Interministeriale 568/2022, Art. 3

60/100

Minimum passing score required on the oral case discussion

Decreto Interministeriale 568/2022

2 sessions

Annual national sessions scheduled on 27 July and 16 November 2026

MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale 693/2026

€49.58 + fee

State tax (€49.58) plus university-specific contribution fee

MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale 693/2026

CAO / FNOMCeO

Statutory registration authority for the Italian Dental Register (Albo Odontoiatri)

Legge 24 luglio 1985, n. 409

IT + DE

Official examination languages with German track available at University of Milan

MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale 693/2026

The Italian Dentist State Exam (Esame di Stato Odontoiatra) is the statutory post-graduate licensure exam governed by D.I. 568/2022 and MUR O.M. 693/2026 for registration with the Italian Dental Register (Albo degli Odontoiatri / CAO). Administered at designated state universities, the oral format centers on the presentation and treatment planning of two multidisciplinary clinical cases (scored /100, passing score 60/100). Independent Odontoiatra State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation that adapts rather than simulates the oral case discussion.

Sample Esame di Stato Odontoiatra Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Esame di Stato Odontoiatra exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 97+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary biological and clinical rationale for mandatory dental dam isolation during adhesive composite restorations?

A.To prevent systemic aspiration of water coolant and aerosolized rotary instrument burs

B.To prevent salivary and moisture contamination of etched enamel and demineralized dentin, ensuring optimal micromechanical adhesion

C.To chemically accelerate the free-radical polymerization kinetics of light-curing dimethacrylate monomers

D.To eliminate the need for surface acid conditioning by preserving a sterile operating field

Explanation: Dental dam isolation is mandatory in adhesive dentistry because salivary proteins, crevicular fluid, and breath humidity severely impair enamel and dentin bonding. Moisture contamination prevents proper resin monomer infiltration into the demineralized collagen meshwork, leading to compromised hybrid layer formation, microleakage, and premature restoration failure.

2In direct posterior composite restorations, which cavity preparation geometry exhibits the highest configuration factor (C-factor), predisposing the restoration to maximum polymerization shrinkage stress?

A.Class I occlusal cavity with 5 bonded walls and 1 unbonded surface (C-factor = 5)

B.Class II mesio-occlusal cavity with 4 bonded walls and 2 unbonded surfaces (C-factor = 2)

C.Class IV incisal fracture restoration with 2 bonded walls and 4 unbonded surfaces (C-factor = 0.5)

D.Class V buccal cervical cavity with 4 bonded walls and 1 unbonded surface (C-factor = 4)

Explanation: The C-factor is defined as the ratio of bonded to unbonded restoration surface areas. A Class I occlusal cavity possesses 5 bonded walls (mesial, distal, facial, lingual, and pulpal floor) and only 1 unbonded surface (occlusal), yielding a C-factor of 5/1 = 5.0. This restricts free resin flow during polymerization shrinkage, generating maximal tensile stress along the adhesive interface.

3When utilizing a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system, what is the structural consequence of desiccating the etched dentin with prolonged, pressurized air-drying?

A.Accelerated evaporative removal of excess solvent, improving adhesive cross-linking density

B.Enhanced formation of hydroxyapatite micro-crystals that seal open dentinal tubule lumens

C.Collapse of unsupported demineralized collagen fibrils, obstructing monomer infiltration into the hybrid layer

D.Complete volatilization of the smear plug, triggering uncontrolled dentinal fluid transudation

Explanation: Following phosphoric acid demineralization in etch-and-rinse systems, the exposed collagen fibril meshwork is suspended in water. Desiccating the dentin with air causes the fragile collagen fibrils to collapse and condense into an impermeable barrier, preventing the hydrophilic primer monomers from penetrating the full depth of demineralized dentin, resulting in nanoleakage and reduced bond strength.

4A 42-year-old patient presents with asymptomatic, deep carious lesion on tooth 46 extending into the inner third of dentin. Cold sensibility test produces a normal, transient response, and periapical radiography reveals no periapical pathology. According to European Society of Endodontology (ESE) and modern Italian conservative dentistry consensus, what is the gold standard clinical management?

A.Complete excavation to hard dentin even if pulp exposure occurs, followed by immediate direct pulp capping with resin-modified glass ionomer

B.Complete non-selective caries excavation followed by prophylactic elective pulpectomy and root canal obturation

C.Stepwise excavation leaving wet infected carious dentin permanently under an amalgam restoration without re-entry

D.Selective caries removal to firm or soft dentin over the pulpal wall, leaving affected demineralized dentin to avoid exposure, followed by a hydraulic calcium silicate liner and adhesive coronal seal

Explanation: Current ESE and international consensus on deep caries management dictates selective caries removal to soft/firm dentin over the pulp wall in vital, asymptomatic teeth to prevent unnecessary pulp exposure. The pulp-dentin complex has intrinsic remineralization capacity beneath a bioactive hydraulic calcium silicate material (e.g., Biodentine or MTA) once an airtight coronal seal is established.

5Which endodontic irrigating solution is considered the primary agent of choice due to its unique dual capability of dissolving vital and necrotic organic pulp tissue while providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity?

A.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX)

B.Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in concentrations between 2.5% and 5.25%

C.17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

D.3% Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)

Explanation: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the gold standard main irrigant in root canal therapy. It is the only clinically viable endodontic solution capable of dissolving both vital and necrotic organic tissue (collagen, pulp remnants, and biofilms) through saponification, amino acid neutralization, and chloramination reactions, combined with potent bactericidal properties.

6What is the primary pharmacological action and therapeutic role of 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) when utilized during final endodontic irrigation protocols?

A.It dissolves bacterial endotoxins and digests residual collagen fibers in accessory lateral canals

B.It precipitates dentin proteins to occlude open dentinal tubules and prevent microbial leakage

C.It acts as a polyvalent chelating agent that extracts calcium ions, demineralizing and removing the inorganic component of the smear layer

D.It neutralizes sodium hypochlorite to prevent chemical periapical irritation during obturation

Explanation: 17% EDTA is a chelating agent that binds calcium ions from hydroxyapatite crystals in dentin. This action demineralizes and removes the inorganic phase of the smear layer created by rotary instrumentation, opening the dentinal tubules and allowing better penetration of antimicrobial irrigants and endodontic sealers.

7During electronic working length determination using a modern dual-frequency electronic apex locator (EAL), what specific anatomical landmark does the '0.0' or 'Apex' reading represent?

A.The major apical foramen, where the root canal transitions into the periodontal ligament space

B.The radiographic root apex as visualized on a parallel periapical projection

C.The minor apical constriction (cementodentinal junction), positioned 1.5 to 2 mm coronal to the foramen

D.The anatomic boundary between coronal and middle root canal thirds

Explanation: Modern impedance-ratio electronic apex locators determine length by measuring the electrical impedance drop as the file tip contacts the periodontal ligament. The '0.0' reading signals the file tip has reached the major apical foramen (the opening into the periodontium). Clinicians typically adjust working length 0.5 mm coronal to the '0.0' mark to end preparation at the apical constriction.

8A 35-year-old female presents with spontaneous, throbbing dental pain in the right maxilla that worsens at night and is exacerbated by cold beverages, lingering for over 45 seconds after stimulus removal. Percussion on tooth 16 elicits moderate tenderness; electric pulp testing produces an exaggerated, painful response. Radiographs show a deep distal restoration encroaching on the pulp chamber without periapical bone loss. What is the formal AAE/ESE pulpal and periapical diagnosis?

A.Reversible pulpitis with normal apical tissues

B.Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis

C.Pulpal necrosis with asymptomatic apical periodontitis

D.Asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis with acute apical abscess

Explanation: Lingering pain to thermal stimulation lasting over 30 seconds combined with spontaneous throbbing pain confirms symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, indicating irreversible microvascular inflammation and necrosis within the coronal pulp. Tenderness to percussion confirms that inflammatory mediators have extended into the apical periodontal ligament, establishing the concurrent diagnosis of symptomatic apical periodontitis.

9Why must clinicians prevent the accidental over-extrusion of non-setting calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament paste through the apical foramen into the periapical space or mandibular canal?

A.Calcium hydroxide is non-resorbable and induces permanent fibrous ankylosis of the periodontal ligament

B.It chemically precipitates systemically to induce generalized hypercalcemia and acute cardiac arrhythmias

C.Its strong acidity (pH 2.5–3.5) causes rapid demineralization and osteolytic resorption of cortical alveolar bone

D.Its extreme alkalinity (pH ~12.5) causes severe chemical liquefactive necrosis of periapical tissues and neurotoxic paresthesia if in contact with nerves

Explanation: Non-setting calcium hydroxide possesses a highly alkaline pH of approximately 12.5 due to the release of hydroxyl ions. While this alkalinity provides potent antibacterial efficacy inside the canal, extrusion into the periapical tissues or mandibular canal causes intense chemical liquefactive necrosis, acute inflammatory pain, and potential irreversible neurotoxic injury to the inferior alveolar nerve.

10Which endodontic obturation method utilizes a rigid plastic or cross-linked gutta-percha core coated with alpha-phase gutta-percha, heated in a specialized oven, to achieve three-dimensional filling of complex root anatomy?

A.Carrier-based obturation (e.g., Thermafil or GuttaCore)

B.Single-cone cold hydraulic bioceramic sealer technique

C.Cold lateral condensation of master and accessory cones

D.Continuous wave of condensation using electric heat pluggers only

Explanation: Carrier-based obturation systems (such as Thermafil and GuttaCore) utilize a central carrier coated with thermoplasticized alpha-phase gutta-percha. Heating in a dedicated thermopreparer softens the gutta-percha, which flows hydraulically into lateral canals, fins, and apical deltas as the carrier is inserted to full working length.

About the Esame di Stato Odontoiatra Exam

The Esame di Stato per l'abilitazione all'esercizio della professione di Odontoiatra is the statutory state licensing qualification in Italy required for registration with the Albo degli Odontoiatri within the provincial Ordine dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri (OMCeO), under the regulatory governance of the Commissione per gli Iscritti all'Albo degli Odontoiatri (CAO) and the Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri (FNOMCeO). Originally established under Legge 409/1985, the modern transitional framework for graduates of legacy (non-directly qualifying) degree programs is governed by Decreto Interministeriale 568/2022. For the 2026 examination year, MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale 693/2026 schedules testing across two national sessions (27 July 2026 and 16 November 2026), assesses candidates through an oral panel on two multidisciplinary clinical cases, requires a passing score of 60/100, and enables a bilingual Italian/German route at the Università degli Studi di Milano. Independent Odontoiatra State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed to systematically test clinical problem-solving, therapeutic protocols, and legal/deontological mandates.

Exam sponsor: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca (MUR) / designated universities. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Under Decreto Interministeriale n. 568 del 20 giugno 2022 (D.I. 568/2022) and annual ministerial ordinances including MUR O.M. 693/2026, the transitional Italian State Licensing Examination for Dentists consists of a single oral examination comprising the in-depth presentation, differential diagnosis, and multidisciplinary treatment planning of two clinical dental cases. Candidates are evaluated on diagnostic competence, biological rationale, restorative and surgical decision-making, and professional deontology. The examination is scored on a 100-point scale, requiring a minimum passing grade of 60/100. For eligible candidates in designated regional contexts, a German-language route is available at the University of Milan. Independent Odontoiatra State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation that adapts rather than simulates the oral case discussion format.

Time Limit

Single oral examination; no national duration is published

Passing Score

60/100 on the oral case discussion

Exam / Certification Fees

€49.58 state tax plus a contribution set by the chosen university

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30 local questions (not an official percentage)

Conservative Dentistry, Endodontics & Fixed/Removable Prosthodontics

Adhesive restorations, composite resin systems, pulp-dentin complex biology, endodontic instrumentation and obturation, periapical pathologies, tooth preparation principles, ferrule effect, fixed prostheses, removable partial and complete dentures, and occlusion.

25 local questions (not an official percentage)

Periodontology, Oral Surgery, Implantology & Bone Regeneration

Periodontal diagnosis and classification (AAP/EFP 2017/2018), non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy, resective and regenerative procedures (GTR), osseointegration biology, implant placement protocols, sinus floor elevation, bone grafting (GBR), exodontia, impacted teeth, and peri-implant diseases.

20 local questions (not an official percentage)

Orthodontics, Gnathology & Pediatric Dentistry

Craniofacial growth, malocclusion classification (Angle), cephalometrics, interceptive and fixed orthodontic biomechanics, temporomandibular disorders (TMD/DC-TMD), internal derangements, pediatric dental trauma, vital pulp therapies in primary and immature permanent teeth, and early childhood caries management.

15 local questions (not an official percentage)

Oral Medicine, Pathology, Oncology & Dental Radiology

Potentially malignant oral disorders (leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral lichen planus), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), vesiculobullous autoimmune disorders, odontogenic cysts and tumors, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), salivary gland diseases, intraoral radiography, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

7 local questions (not an official percentage)

Deontology (CAO/FNOMCeO), Medical Emergencies, Infection Control & Health Law

Italian healthcare legal framework (Legge 409/1985), CAO/FNOMCeO Code of Medical Deontology, informed consent and advance directives (Legge 219/2017), chairside medical emergencies (anaphylaxis, vasovagal collapse, LAST), cross-infection control, and radiation protection (D.Lgs. 101/2020).

Preparing for the Esame di Stato Odontoiatra Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60/100 on the oral case discussion
Assessment: Under Decreto Interministeriale n. 568 del 20 giugno 2022 (D.I. 568/2022) and annual ministerial ordinances including MUR O.M. 693/2026, the transitional Italian State Licensing Examination for Dentists consists of a single oral examination comprising the in-depth presentation, differential diagnosis, and multidisciplinary treatment planning of two clinical dental cases. Candidates are evaluated on diagnostic competence, biological rationale, restorative and surgical decision-making, and professional deontology. The examination is scored on a 100-point scale, requiring a minimum passing grade of 60/100. For eligible candidates in designated regional contexts, a German-language route is available at the University of Milan. Independent Odontoiatra State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation that adapts rather than simulates the oral case discussion format.
Time limit: Single oral examination; no national duration is published
Exam / certification fees: €49.58 state tax plus a contribution set by the chosen university Official sources

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Esame di Stato Odontoiatra: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master multidisciplinary treatment planning: oral examiners expect clear integration between initial stabilization (hygiene/periodontics), endodontic and restorative care, and definitive surgical or prosthodontic rehabilitation.

2Review the 2017/2018 AAP/EFP Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases Classification thoroughly, including staging (severity, complexity) and grading (rate of progression, systemic modifiers).

3Understand the ferrule effect, biologic width (supracrestal tissue attachment), and margin placement rules when designing post-endodontic restorations and crown preparations.

4Familiarize yourself with clinical red flags in oral pathology, including non-healing solitary ulcers, erythroplakia, leukoplakia with dysplasia, and the diagnostic protocol for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

5Review Italian healthcare jurisprudence, specifically Legge 24 luglio 1985 n. 409 (scope of dental practice), Legge 22 dicembre 2017 n. 219 (informed consent and advance directives), and D.Lgs. 101/2020 (radiation safety and justification).

6Be prepared for dental office medical emergencies: Know first-line dosing and administration routes for epinephrine in anaphylaxis, oxygen and head-down positioning for syncope, and the 20% lipid emulsion resuscitation protocol for local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal framework governing the 2026 Italian Dentist State Exam (Esame di Stato Odontoiatra)?

The examination is governed under Decreto Interministeriale n. 568 del 20 giugno 2022 (D.I. 568/2022) and the annual ministerial ordinance MUR Ordinanza Ministeriale n. 693 del 27 maggio 2026 (O.M. 693/2026). While recent graduates follow the direct qualifying master's degree pathway (laurea abilitante) established under Legge 163/2021, D.I. 568/2022 establishes the ongoing transitional state examination for graduates of pre-reform courses and foreign dental degree holders seeking Italian registration.

How is the transitional examination structured and scored under D.I. 568/2022?

Under D.I. 568/2022, the examination consists of a single comprehensive oral examination focused on the multidisciplinary discussion of two clinical cases and their respective treatment plans. The examining commission evaluates the candidate's diagnostic process, clinical reasoning, prognostic judgment, and biological justification. The test is graded out of 100 points, with a minimum passing threshold of 60/100 required for qualification.

What are the official dates, fees, and language options for the 2026 sessions?

Under O.M. 693/2026, the two national examination sessions are scheduled for 27 July 2026 and 16 November 2026. The registration cost consists of a statutory €49.58 state tax (tassa erariale) plus an administrative contribution set independently by the university where the exam is taken. Furthermore, O.M. 693/2026 authorizes a German-language examination session hosted at the Università degli Studi di Milano for eligible European Union residents.

Which professional regulatory body registers dentists in Italy?

Passing the State Exam confers the legal qualification (abilitazione professionale) required to enroll in the Albo degli Odontoiatri maintained by the provincial Ordine dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri (OMCeO). National coordination and ethics enforcement are overseen by the Commissione per gli Iscritti all'Albo degli Odontoiatri (CAO) within the Federazione Nazionale degli Ordini dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri (FNOMCeO), established under Legge 409/1985.

Why is this practice resource provided as an English multiple-choice question (MCQ) bank?

Independent Odontoiatra State Exam practice by OpenExamPrep provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed to systematically evaluate diagnostic judgment, clinical protocols, dental materials science, and Italian deontology. This English MCQ format adapts rather than simulates the oral case discussion, allowing candidates to reinforce core clinical decision-making and cross-disciplinary knowledge.