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Key Facts: Lebanon Dental Colloquium Exam

Written + Oral + Clinical

Examination Components

Decree No. 9276, Art. 5

12/20

Pass Mark (Written and Overall)

Decree No. 9276, Art. 5

2 Sessions

Annual Exam Sittings

DGHE Colloquium circulars

LOD Registration

Professional Licensing

Lebanese Order of Dentists

EN & FR

Official Delivery Languages

MEHE Regulations

Lebanese University

Body Conducting the Examination

Decree No. 9276, Art. 4

The Lebanese Dental Colloquium is the national dental licensing examination required to obtain a practice licence from the Ministry of Public Health and register with the Lebanese Order of Dentists. Organised by MEHE/DGHE with MOPH and conducted by the Lebanese University, it comprises written, oral and clinical components under Decree No. 9276, which sets a 12/20 pass threshold and a clinical-component floor of 8/20. Tested areas include endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and pediatric dentistry. This bank provides 100 English-language study questions.

Sample Lebanon Dental Colloquium Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Lebanon Dental Colloquium exam. 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 deep dentinal caries on the occlusal surface of tooth 46. During excavation, the clinician distinguishes between infected dentin and affected dentin. Which of the following characteristics accurately differentiates affected dentin from infected dentin?
A.Affected dentin is heavily laden with viable microorganisms and exhibits irreversibly denatured collagen cross-linking.
B.Affected dentin retains intact collagen scaffold architecture and has the capacity to remineralize if physiological pulp vitality is maintained.
C.Affected dentin must be completely excavated down to hard sound dentin even if doing so causes direct mechanical pulp exposure.
D.Affected dentin fails to stain with caries detector dyes because it lacks any mineral crystals or dentinal tubule structure.
Explanation: Carious dentin consists of two distinct layers: an outer layer of 'infected dentin' and an inner layer of 'affected dentin'. Affected dentin is demineralized by bacterial organic acids but contains few or no viable bacteria, and its type I collagen triple-helix scaffold remains intact with cross-links preserved. Consequently, affected dentin is remineralizable and should be preserved during selective caries excavation to avoid unnecessary pulpal exposure.
2When preparing a traditional Class II amalgam cavity on a mandibular first molar according to Black's principles, what is the primary rationale for establishing a 90-degree cavosurface margin at the proximal box?
A.To maximize beveling and create micromechanical retention for the amalgam matrix.
B.To prevent inadvertent encroachment upon the biological width at the interproximal papilla.
C.To ensure maximum bulk of amalgam at the margin and prevent marginal fracture due to amalgam's low tensile strength.
D.To direct occlusal loading parallel to the dentinal tubules and eliminate secondary caries formation.
Explanation: Dental amalgam is a brittle restorative material with high compressive strength but poor edge strength and low tensile/shear strength. An edge angle of 90 degrees (butt joint) between the prepared tooth structure and the restorative material provides amalgam with sufficient bulk at the cavosurface margin to withstand masticatory forces without chipping or marginal breakdown.
3In adhesive dentistry, what is the major mechanism by which endogenous host matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins contribute to the degradation of the hybrid layer over time in etch-and-rinse systems?
A.Phosphoric acid etching uncovers and activates dormant host-derived dentinal enzymes that hydrolyze denuded collagen fibrils left unprotected by incomplete resin monomer infiltration.
B.MMPs are secreted exclusively by viable pulpal odontoblasts into the tubules to chemically dissolve polymer chains within the cured resin matrix.
C.MMPs hydrolyze the covalent silane bonds between composite filler particles and resin matrices, leading to macroscopic marginal leakage.
D.Etching creates an alkaline microenvironment in deep dentin that accelerates proteolytic cleavage of hydrophilic adhesive monomers like HEMA.
Explanation: During etch-and-rinse adhesive procedures, 37% phosphoric acid completely dissolves hydroxyapatite crystals up to several micrometers deep into dentin, exposing collagen fibrils and uncovering bound endogenous pro-MMPs (notably MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9) and cysteine cathepsins. If adhesive resin fails to fully infiltrate and encapsulate the entire depth of the demineralized collagen network, these uncovered host enzymes become activated in the presence of water and slowly hydrolyze the denuded collagen fibrils, causing degradation of the hybrid layer and loss of bond strength over time. Chlorhexidine is often applied to inhibit these enzymes.
4Conventional glass ionomer cements (GIC) bond intrinsically to enamel and dentin without requiring an adhesive resin system. Which chemical reaction is primarily responsible for this self-adhesion?
A.Free-radical polymerization between dimethacrylate monomers and type I dentinal collagen.
B.Silicate condensation cross-linking between fluoramino silicate glass particles and intertubular fluids.
C.Condensation esterification between polyacrylic acid carboxylic groups and dentinal lipid membranes.
D.Ionic chelation bonding between carboxylate groups (-COO-) of polyacrylic acid and calcium ions (Ca2+) of tooth hydroxyapatite.
Explanation: Glass ionomer cements achieve true chemical adhesion to dental hard tissues via ionic bonding. The ionized carboxylate groups (-COO-) of the polyalkenoic (polyacrylic) acid chains chelate with calcium ions (Ca2+) present on the surface of hydroxyapatite crystals in enamel and dentin, forming a distinct ion-exchange interfacial layer.
5A practitioner is restoring an occlusal cavity on a maxillary second premolar. Which cavity preparation configuration possesses the highest Configuration Factor (C-factor), predisposing the restoration to the highest polymerization shrinkage stress at the tooth-restoration interface?
A.Class IV incisal angle preparation with 1 bonded wall and 4 unbonded walls.
B.Class I occlusal cavity with 5 bonded walls and 1 unbonded wall.
C.Class II mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavity with 3 bonded walls and 3 unbonded walls.
D.Class V facial cervical abrasion with 4 bonded walls and 1 unbonded wall.
Explanation: The Configuration Factor (C-factor) is defined as the ratio of bonded to unbonded (free) tooth surfaces (C-factor = bonded walls / unbonded walls). An occlusal Class I cavity has 5 bonded walls (pulpal, mesial, distal, buccal, lingual) and only 1 unbonded free surface (the occlusal opening), yielding a C-factor of 5:1 = 5. A higher C-factor restricts resin relaxation during light polymerization, concentrating contraction stress directly onto the adhesive interface.
6In dental amalgam metallurgy, modern high-copper amalgams (containing 12% to 30% copper) exhibit superior clinical longevity, reduced marginal breakdown, and diminished creep compared to low-copper amalgams. Which metallurgical phase is eliminated in high-copper amalgams to achieve these properties?
A.Gamma-2 phase (Sn8Hg), which is the most corrosion-susceptible and mechanically weakest phase.
B.Gamma-1 phase (Ag2Hg3), which acts as the rigid matrix surrounding unreacted alloy particles.
C.Eta phase (Cu6Sn5), which forms as precipitate crystals around silver-copper eutectic particles.
D.Gamma phase (Ag3Sn), which comprises the original unreacted spherical or lathe-cut core particles.
Explanation: In low-copper amalgams, tin reacts with mercury to form the gamma-2 phase (Sn8Hg), which is highly prone to electrochemical corrosion and exhibits the lowest mechanical strength and highest creep rate. In high-copper amalgams, copper preferentially binds to tin, forming the eta phase (Cu6Sn5) and virtually eliminating the destructive gamma-2 phase from the set amalgam structure.
7A 34-year-old female presents complaining of acute sharp pain in tooth 16 when drinking cold water. The pain subsides within 2 to 3 seconds after the cold stimulus is removed. Electric pulp testing elicits a prompt response, and the tooth is non-tender to vertical and horizontal percussion. What is the most accurate pulpal diagnosis?
A.Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
B.Pulp necrosis with acute apical periodontitis.
C.Reversible pulpitis.
D.Asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
Explanation: Reversible pulpitis is characterized by sharp, transient pain evoked by thermal (typically cold) or sweet stimuli that resolves almost immediately (within seconds) upon removal of the offending stimulus. The response is mediated primarily by myelinated A-delta fibers without spontaneous pain, and the absence of percussion tenderness indicates that inflammation has not extended into the periapical tissues.
8During excavation of deep caries on an asymptomatic permanent molar with confirmed vital pulp in a 19-year-old patient, a pin-point mechanical exposure (<0.5 mm) of healthy pink pulp tissue occurs under rubber dam isolation. Hemostasis is achieved within 2 minutes with NaOCl-soaked cotton pellets. Which pulp-capping material currently provides the highest biocompatibility, superior hermetic seal, and highest rate of dentin bridge formation?
A.Zinc oxide-eugenol cement.
B.Resin-modified glass ionomer cement.
C.Polycarboxylate cement.
D.Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or tricalcium silicate cement (Biodentine).
Explanation: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and hydraulic tricalcium silicate cements (such as Biodentine) are the gold standard for direct pulp capping. They release calcium hydroxide upon hydration, create an alkaline environment that stimulates odontoblast-like cell differentiation, exhibit excellent biocompatibility, produce minimal pulpal inflammation, and form a thicker, more uniform dentin bridge with significantly less tunnel defects compared to conventional calcium hydroxide or ZOE.
9When locating the mesiobuccal second canal (MB2) in a permanent maxillary first molar, where is the MB2 orifice most commonly situated relative to the primary mesiobuccal canal (MB1)?
A.2 to 3 mm buccal to the MB1 orifice, directly along the external facial wall.
B.1 to 3 mm lingual/palatal and slightly mesial to the MB1 orifice, along the subpulpal groove towards the palatal canal.
C.Directly centered within the distal marginal groove midway between the distobuccal and palatal canals.
D.Within the distal wall of the pulp chamber at the same level as the distobuccal orifice.
Explanation: In permanent maxillary first molars, an MB2 canal is present in over 70% to 90% of teeth. Anatomically, the MB2 orifice is located approximately 1 to 3 mm lingually (palatally) and slightly mesially relative to the main MB1 orifice, along a developmental groove or line connecting the MB1 orifice to the palatal canal orifice, often covered by a mesial dentinal shelf.
10Studies on mandibular incisor internal anatomy indicate that a second (lingual) canal occurs in approximately 20% to 40% of cases. To reliably uncover this often-missed lingual canal during access cavity preparation, what modification should the clinician perform?
A.Extend the lingual aspect of the access preparation toward the cingulum to eliminate the lingual dentin shelf.
B.Extend the access preparation exclusively onto the labial surface of the incisal edge.
C.Narrow the access preparation to a conservative triangular outline confined to the incisal third.
D.Prepare a deep distal slot preparation beneath the distal contact area.
Explanation: Mandibular incisors have a high frequency of two canals (labial and lingual) joining at a single apical foramen (Vertucci Type II) or exiting independently (Vertucci Type IV). The lingual canal is frequently obscured by a prominent lingual internal dentin shelf; extending the access cavity lingually toward the cingulum eliminates this overhang and provides straight-line access to negotiate the lingual canal.

About the Lebanon Dental Colloquium Exam

The Lebanon Dental Colloquium (Colloque de Médecine Dentaire / امتحان الكولوكيوم في طب الأسنان) is the national licensing examination for dental graduates who wish to practise in Lebanon. Decree No. 9276 of 5 October 1996 applies it to holders of a dental medicine degree from faculties and institutes operating in Lebanon and abroad without exception, and sets three components: a written examination, an oral examination and a clinical examination. It is organised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education with the Ministry of Public Health and conducted by the Lebanese University. The examination evaluates clinical competency in endodontics, fixed and removable prosthodontics, periodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral medicine, and dental radiology. The 2026 Directorate General of Higher Education notice confirmed that Colloquium examinations are held in French or English only. This bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation by OpenExamPrep.

Exam sponsor: Directorate General of Higher Education (MEHE) & Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in coordination with the Lebanese Order of Dentists (LOD). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The Lebanese Dental Colloquium (Colloque de Médecine Dentaire) is organised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education with the Ministry of Public Health, and conducted by the Lebanese University under Decree No. 9276 (Art. 4). It runs in two sessions per year (first and second session) whose dates are fixed by DGHE circular; for 2026, first-session applications ran from 2 March to 15 June 2026 and covered general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and dental laboratory sciences. Art. 5 of the decree sets three components for dental medicine: a written examination, an oral examination and a clinical examination, covering conservative dentistry, prosthodontics, periodontology, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry/orthodontics. Passing all parts is legally required to obtain a practice licence and register with the Lebanese Order of Dentists. This bank provides 100 English-language practice questions.

Time Limit

Not published in the DGHE notices; the oral and clinical examinations are scheduled on separate session dates

Passing Score

Decree No. 9276 (Art. 5): at least 12/20 on the written paper to sit the oral and clinical examinations, at least 12/20 overall across the three components, and not less than 8/20 on the clinical examination

Exam / Certification Fees

A lump-sum registration fee fixed by decree taken in the Council of Ministers; the amount is not published in the statute. MEHE launched electronic payment of Colloquium fees in July 2026, and the 2026 notice required payment within one week of application acceptance

Exam sponsor website

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

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.

25%

Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics

Dental caries management, tooth preparation, restorative materials, pulp capping, root canal instrumentation, disinfection, and obturation.

20%

Prosthodontics: Fixed & Removable

Diagnosis, treatment planning, complete dentures, removable partial dentures, fixed prosthodontics, impression materials, and occlusal concepts.

20%

Periodontology & Implantology

Periodontal tissues, classification of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, pathogenesis, non-surgical therapy, and periodontal surgical techniques.

20%

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Anesthesia & Emergencies

Exodontia principles, management of impacted teeth, local anesthesia complications, odontogenic infections, trauma, and medical emergencies.

15%

Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics & Oral Medicine

Behavior management, pediatric pulp therapy, space maintainers, malocclusion classification, oral mucosal lesions, and dental radiograph interpretation.

Preparing for the Lebanon Dental Colloquium Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Decree No. 9276 (Art. 5): at least 12/20 on the written paper to sit the oral and clinical examinations, at least 12/20 overall across the three components, and not less than 8/20 on the clinical examination
  • Assessment: The Lebanese Dental Colloquium (Colloque de Médecine Dentaire) is organised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education with the Ministry of Public Health, and conducted by the Lebanese University under Decree No. 9276 (Art. 4). It runs in two sessions per year (first and second session) whose dates are fixed by DGHE circular; for 2026, first-session applications ran from 2 March to 15 June 2026 and covered general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and dental laboratory sciences. Art. 5 of the decree sets three components for dental medicine: a written examination, an oral examination and a clinical examination, covering conservative dentistry, prosthodontics, periodontology, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry/orthodontics. Passing all parts is legally required to obtain a practice licence and register with the Lebanese Order of Dentists. This bank provides 100 English-language practice questions.
  • Time limit: Not published in the DGHE notices; the oral and clinical examinations are scheduled on separate session dates
  • Exam / certification fees: A lump-sum registration fee fixed by decree taken in the Council of Ministers; the amount is not published in the statute. MEHE launched electronic payment of Colloquium fees in July 2026, and the 2026 notice required payment within one week of application acceptance Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
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  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Lebanon Dental Colloquium: Suggested Study Strategy

1Review the AAP/EFP classification system for periodontal and peri-implant diseases.
2Memorize local anesthetic maximum doses (mg/kg and absolute maximums) for lidocaine, articaine, and mepivacaine.
3Review endodontic emergency diagnosis, differentiating reversible vs. irreversible pulpitis and acute apical abscesses.
4Understand biomechanical principles of removable partial denture design, including clasp selection, rests, and major connectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What components make up the Lebanon Dental Colloquium examination?

Decree No. 9276 (Art. 5) sets three components for dental medicine: a written examination, an oral examination and a clinical examination. Only candidates scoring at least 12/20 on the written paper may sit the oral and clinical examinations, and the clinical mark must not fall below 8/20 for a final pass.

Who must sit for the Dental Colloquium in Lebanon?

Decree No. 9276 (Art. 5) subjects holders of a dental medicine degree from faculties and institutes operating in Lebanon and abroad, without exception, to the Colloquium before they may be licensed by the Ministry of Public Health and registered with the Lebanese Order of Dentists. Degrees obtained by correspondence study are not admitted.

What languages are used in the Lebanese Dental Colloquium?

The examination is officially conducted in English or French, based on the candidate's university training. This question bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation by OpenExamPrep.

Where does the Dental Colloquium take place?

Decree No. 9276 (Art. 4) makes the Lebanese University responsible for conducting the Colloquium examinations. Candidate files are submitted in hard copy to the Colloquium and University Equivalences Secretariat at the central MEHE building in Beirut (UNESCO, Habib Abi Chahla Square). Examination venues are announced per session by DGHE notice, so candidates should confirm the venue on the current circular.

How do candidates register and pay the exam fee in 2026?

Candidates apply through the DGHE Colloquium portal — directly for graduates of institutions outside Lebanon, or through their university delegate for graduates of private institutions inside Lebanon — and must pay the registration fee within one week of their application being accepted. MEHE announced the move of Colloquium services to electronic fee payment in July 2026.