100+ Free PMDC NLE Dental Practice Questions

Pass your PMDC National Licensing Examination (NLE) - Dental (BDS) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Key Facts: PMDC NLE Dental Exam

Step 1 + Step 2

NLE has a written MCQ theory step and a separate clinical assessment

Pakistan Medical & Dental Council

About 200 MCQs

Step 1 dental theory paper is approximately 200 single-best-answer items

PM&DC NLE format guidance

No negative marking

Wrong answers are not penalised, so every item should be attempted

PM&DC NLE format guidance

70% clinical / 30% basic

Blueprint split between clinical dentistry and basic sciences

PM&DC NLE dental blueprint

About 70% pass

Approximate historical pass rate; cut score set criterion-referenced each cycle

PM&DC NLE reporting

BDS graduates

Required of local and Pakistani foreign-trained dental graduates from applicable batches

Pakistan Medical & Dental Council

Computer-based

Step 1 is delivered as a computer-based theory examination

PM&DC NLE format guidance

100

Free original practice questions in this bank

OpenExamPrep

The PMDC NLE Dental (Step 1) is the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council theory licensing examination for BDS graduates. It is a computer-based single-best-answer MCQ paper of approximately 200 questions with no negative marking, blueprinted at roughly 30 percent basic sciences and 70 percent clinical dentistry. Historically about 70 percent of candidates pass, but the cut score is criterion-referenced and set each cycle rather than a fixed simple percentage. A separate Step 2 clinical/OSCE assessment must also be passed for full licensure. This free 100-question bank provides original BDS-level practice across all the listed subjects, with single-best-answer items and explanations for every option.

Sample PMDC NLE Dental Practice Questions

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

1Which cranial nerve provides general sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth and supplies the muscles of mastication?

A.Facial nerve (VII)

B.Trigeminal nerve (V)

C.Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)

D.Hypoglossal nerve (XII)

Explanation: The mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve carries general sensation from the lower teeth via the inferior alveolar nerve and supplies the muscles of mastication. The trigeminal is the principal sensory and motor nerve of the masticatory apparatus.

2The inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandible through which structure?

A.Mental foramen

B.Mandibular foramen

C.Lingula notch

D.Pterygomaxillary fissure

Explanation: The inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandibular canal through the mandibular foramen on the medial surface of the ramus, guarded anteriorly by the lingula. This is the target of an inferior alveolar nerve block.

3Which cells are responsible for the formation of dentine?

A.Ameloblasts

B.Odontoblasts

C.Cementoblasts

D.Osteoblasts

Explanation: Odontoblasts, derived from the dental papilla (neural crest), secrete predentine that mineralises into dentine and retain processes within the dentinal tubules throughout life. They allow dentine to remain a vital, responsive tissue.

4Enamel is the hardest tissue in the body. Approximately what percentage of mature enamel is inorganic by weight?

A.About 70%

B.About 80%

C.About 96%

D.About 50%

Explanation: Mature enamel is approximately 96 percent inorganic by weight, mostly hydroxyapatite crystals, with the small remainder being organic matrix and water. This high mineral content gives enamel its hardness but also its brittleness.

5A patient is given an injection that blocks acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Which type of receptor is primarily involved at this site?

A.Muscarinic cholinergic receptor

B.Nicotinic cholinergic receptor

C.Beta-adrenergic receptor

D.Alpha-adrenergic receptor

Explanation: The neuromuscular junction uses nicotinic cholinergic receptors on the motor end plate; acetylcholine binding opens cation channels to depolarise the muscle fibre. Non-depolarising blockers compete here to cause paralysis.

6Which vitamin deficiency directly impairs collagen synthesis and classically causes swollen, bleeding gingivae (scurvy)?

A.Vitamin A

B.Vitamin C

C.Vitamin D

D.Vitamin K

Explanation: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase in collagen synthesis; deficiency weakens connective tissue, producing scurvy with swollen, spongy, bleeding gingivae. Adequate intake supports periodontal connective tissue integrity.

7Tetracycline antibiotics are contraindicated during tooth development and in pregnancy primarily because they cause:

A.Enamel fluorosis

B.Intrinsic tooth staining and enamel hypoplasia

C.Gingival hyperplasia

D.Delayed tooth eruption only

Explanation: Tetracyclines chelate calcium and deposit in mineralising teeth and bone, producing yellow-brown to grey intrinsic staining and enamel hypoplasia. For this reason they are avoided in pregnant women and in children up to about eight years of age.

8Which of the following analgesics carries the greatest risk of Reye syndrome and is therefore avoided in children with viral illness?

A.Paracetamol

B.Ibuprofen

C.Aspirin

D.Diclofenac

Explanation: Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is associated with Reye syndrome, an acute encephalopathy with liver dysfunction, when given to children with viral infections. For this reason it is avoided as an analgesic and antipyretic in children.

9A vasoconstrictor such as adrenaline is added to local anaesthetic solutions mainly to:

A.Increase the pH of the solution

B.Prolong anaesthesia and reduce systemic absorption

C.Provide antibacterial action

D.Speed up the onset by raising temperature

Explanation: Adrenaline causes local vasoconstriction, which slows the removal of anaesthetic from the injection site, prolonging the duration of action, deepening anaesthesia and reducing peak plasma levels and toxicity. It also improves haemostasis in the operative field.

10The maximum recommended dose of lidocaine WITH adrenaline in a healthy adult is approximately:

A.1.5 mg/kg

B.3 mg/kg

C.7 mg/kg

D.15 mg/kg

Explanation: Lidocaine with adrenaline has a maximum recommended dose of about 7 mg/kg (commonly capped near 500 mg) in a healthy adult, higher than the plain solution because the vasoconstrictor slows absorption. Knowing this limit prevents systemic toxicity during multiple injections.

About the PMDC NLE Dental Exam

The PMDC National Licensing Examination (NLE) for dental graduates is the standardised exam the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council uses to confirm that BDS graduates meet a minimum competence standard before being licensed to practise dentistry in Pakistan. It applies to graduates of PM&DC-approved Pakistani dental colleges and to Pakistani nationals who completed BDS abroad. Step 1 is a computer-based single-best-answer multiple-choice theory examination of approximately 200 items with no negative marking, blueprinted at roughly 30 percent basic sciences and 70 percent clinical dentistry. Basic sciences cover anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, general and oral pathology, pharmacology, microbiology and dental materials. Clinical dentistry covers operative and restorative dentistry, endodontics, periodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine and radiology, prosthodontics, orthodontics, paediatric dentistry and community and preventive dentistry. Step 2 is a separate clinical/OSCE assessment. This question bank covers Step 1 only.

Assessment

Step 1 is a computer-based single-best-answer MCQ theory paper of about 200 questions, roughly 30 percent basic sciences and 70 percent clinical dentistry, with no negative marking. Step 2 is a separate clinical/OSCE assessment not covered here.

Time Limit

Single computer-based session whose duration the PM&DC sets each cycle, typically on the order of one minute per MCQ; confirm the exact timing on your official call letter.

Passing Score

A criterion-referenced standard set by the PM&DC each cycle; historically about 70 percent of candidates pass, but the exact cut score is not a fixed simple percentage.

Exam Fee

Set and revised by the PM&DC each cycle; confirm the current registration fee on the official PM&DC portal before booking. (Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC))

PMDC NLE Dental Exam Content Outline

30%

Basic Sciences

Anatomy (head and neck, dental anatomy), physiology, biochemistry, general and oral pathology, pharmacology, microbiology and dental materials science. Items test the foundational knowledge that underpins safe clinical decisions, such as drug actions, material properties and disease mechanisms.

18%

Operative Dentistry and Endodontics

Dental caries, cavity classification and preparation, restorative materials such as amalgam, composite and glass ionomer, pulp biology, pulpal and periapical diagnosis, and root canal treatment principles including working length, irrigation and obturation.

16%

Periodontology, Oral Medicine and Radiology

Periodontal anatomy and disease, plaque and calculus, scaling and root planing, periodontal classification, oral mucosal lesions and oral medicine, and interpretation of intraoral and panoramic radiographs.

14%

Prosthodontics and Orthodontics

Complete and partial dentures, fixed prosthodontics and crown design, impression materials and occlusion, plus orthodontic growth, Angle classification, anchorage and appliance principles.

12%

Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology

Exodontia and forceps technique, local anaesthesia and its complications, management of surgical emergencies, odontogenic cysts and tumours, and common oral and maxillofacial pathology.

10%

Paediatric and Community Dentistry

Primary dentition and eruption, behaviour and caries management in children, pulp therapy in primary teeth, fluoride and preventive dentistry, and dental public health and epidemiology relevant to Pakistan.

How to Pass the PMDC NLE Dental Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: A criterion-referenced standard set by the PM&DC each cycle; historically about 70 percent of candidates pass, but the exact cut score is not a fixed simple percentage.
Assessment: Step 1 is a computer-based single-best-answer MCQ theory paper of about 200 questions, roughly 30 percent basic sciences and 70 percent clinical dentistry, with no negative marking. Step 2 is a separate clinical/OSCE assessment not covered here.
Time limit: Single computer-based session whose duration the PM&DC sets each cycle, typically on the order of one minute per MCQ; confirm the exact timing on your official call letter.
Exam fee: Set and revised by the PM&DC each cycle; confirm the current registration fee on the official PM&DC portal before booking.

Keys to Passing

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

PMDC NLE Dental Study Tips from Top Performers

1Because clinical dentistry is about 70 percent of the paper, prioritise operative dentistry, endodontics, periodontology, oral surgery, prosthodontics and oral pathology before spreading time across basic sciences.

2There is no negative marking, so practise attempting every question and making an educated best guess rather than leaving items blank.

3Drill single-best-answer MCQs under timed conditions of about one minute per item to build the pace needed for a roughly 200-question paper.

4Revise dental materials with their key properties and clinical uses, such as setting reactions, fluoride release and indications for amalgam, composite and glass ionomer.

5Learn high-yield local anaesthesia and exodontia facts, including maximum safe doses, nerve supply and management of common complications such as dry socket.

6Use NLE and BDS past papers to spot recurring topics, then confirm format, fee and timing on the official PM&DC portal close to your sitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PMDC NLE for dental graduates?

It is the National Licensing Examination of the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council that BDS graduates must pass to be licensed to practise dentistry in Pakistan. Step 1 is a written MCQ theory exam and Step 2 is a separate clinical assessment.

How many questions are on NLE Step 1?

Step 1 is a computer-based single-best-answer MCQ paper of approximately 200 questions covering basic sciences and clinical dentistry. There is no negative marking, so it is best to attempt every item.

What is the passing standard for the NLE?

The PM&DC applies a criterion-referenced passing standard set each cycle. Historically about 70 percent of candidates pass, but the exact cut score is not a fixed simple percentage and is published by the council for each sitting.

How is the dental NLE blueprint weighted?

Roughly 30 percent of items assess basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology and dental materials, and roughly 70 percent assess clinical dentistry across the major BDS specialties.

Who has to take the dental NLE?

Graduates of PM&DC-approved Pakistani dental colleges from the applicable batches, and Pakistani nationals who completed BDS at PM&DC-approved foreign institutions, must pass the NLE to obtain a full dental licence.

Are these official PM&DC questions?

No. These are original OpenExamPrep practice questions modelled on the NLE Step 1 dental blueprint. Always confirm current format, fees, timing and eligibility on the official PM&DC website before booking.