Free Practice Questions for Saudi Board Family Dentistry

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Key Facts: Saudi Board Family Dentistry Exam

2 papers

Written exam structure (100-125 MCQs each)

SCFHS Family Dentistry Final Exam Blueprint

Up to 10%

Unscored pilot items per paper

SCFHS Family Dentistry Final Exam Blueprint

70%

Nominal passing score

SCFHS Final Exam Blueprint

65%

Minimum adjusted passing floor

SCFHS Examination Policy

25%

Hospital Dentistry weight

SCFHS Blueprint 2024–2027

SCFHS

Exam administrator

Saudi Commission for Health Specialties

Saudi Board Final Written Examination - Family Dentistry (SCFHS). Two papers, each with 100–125 single-best-answer MCQs. Up to 10% additional unscored items may be added. Duration is not stated in the written blueprint. The standard pass mark is 70%; when the initial pass rate is below 70%, SCFHS lowers the score one mark at a time toward a 70% pass rate or a 65% score, whichever comes first. A separate final clinical examination follows the written examination.

Sample Saudi Board Family Dentistry Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Saudi Board Family Dentistry exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1When administering an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) using the conventional Halsted approach, which anatomical landmark is primarily palpated to establish the correct vertical height of needle insertion?

A.The coronoid notch on the anterior border of the mandibular ramus

B.The pterygomandibular raphe at its junction with the hamular process

C.The lingula mandibulae along the medial surface of the ramus

D.The external oblique ridge at the level of the occlusal plane

Explanation: The coronoid notch (the greatest depression on the anterior border of the mandibular ramus) serves as the primary external palpation landmark to establish the vertical height of insertion, which is approximately 6 to 10 mm superior to the mandibular occlusal plane. Placing the thumb in the coronoid notch and stretching the tissues taut allows accurate visualization of the pterygomandibular depression.

2Why does articaine hydrochloride (4% with 1:100,000 epinephrine) demonstrate greater bone penetration and diffusion through dense cortical plates compared to 2% lidocaine hydrochloride?

A.It has a lower pKa of 6.8, resulting in a higher fraction of non-ionized molecules at physiological pH

B.It contains a thiophene ring instead of a benzene ring, significantly increasing its lipid solubility

C.It lacks an intermediate amide linkage, allowing direct transport through bony canaliculi

D.It possesses lower plasma protein binding, permitting higher free drug concentrations in tissue

Explanation: Articaine contains a thiophene ring rather than the benzene ring found in other amide anesthetics, which confers markedly higher lipid solubility (octanol:water partition coefficient). This lipophilic chemical structure enables articaine molecules to diffuse more readily across lipid-rich biological barriers, including cortical bone and soft tissue nerve sheaths.

3In the microbiological etiology of root surface caries in older adults, which bacterial genus has been most consistently identified as an early colonizer facilitating initial cemental and dentinal invasion?

A.Porphyromonas gingivalis alone

B.Streptococcus mutans acting exclusively

C.Actinomyces species such as A. naeslundii

D.Enterococcus faecalis alone

Explanation: Actinomyces species (particularly Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces viscosus, and Actinomyces odontolyticus) are predominant early colonizers of exposed root surfaces, possessing fimbriae that adhere to root cementum and collagen, producing proteolytic and acidogenic mechanisms that drive root demineralization in conjunction with mutans streptococci and lactobacilli.

4During alveolar bone remodeling, osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption are stimulated by the binding of RANKL to RANK. Which endogenous soluble decoy receptor synthesized by osteoblasts and stromal cells neutralizes RANKL, thereby inhibiting osteoclastogenesis?

A.Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

B.Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)

C.Sclerostin (SOST)

D.Osteoprotegerin (OPG)

Explanation: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a soluble member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily secreted by osteoblasts that functions as a physiological decoy receptor for RANKL. By binding RANKL, OPG prevents it from interacting with RANK on osteoclast precursors, thereby suppressing osteoclast maturation, activity, and osteolytic bone resorption.

5A patient presenting with acute irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular first molar reports radiating, severe throbbing pain to the ipsilateral preauricular region and temple. What neuroanatomical convergence mechanism underlies this referred pain presentation?

A.Sympathetic postganglionic overflow from the superior cervical ganglion synapsing directly in the otic ganglion

B.Retrograde axonal transport of substance P through the chorda tympani nerve to the geniculate ganglion

C.Direct cross-excitation of unmyelinated C-fibers at the level of the mental foramen with cervical plexus branches

D.Convergence of pulpal V3 afferents and auriculotemporal afferents on shared second-order neurons

Explanation: Pulpal nociceptive primary afferents carried via the inferior alveolar nerve (V3) and cutaneous sensory afferents from the ear and temple carried via the auriculotemporal nerve (V3) converge onto common wide dynamic range (WDR) second-order projection neurons in the medullary dorsal horn (trigeminal subnucleus caudalis). The higher cerebral sensory cortex cannot distinguish the precise peripheral origin, perceiving the deep visceral pulpal pain as radiating to the cutaneous auriculotemporal distribution.

6According to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), how should an active, non-cavitated white-spot lesion confined to the enamel (ICDAS code 1 or 2) on a smooth surface be initially managed in an adult patient with moderate caries risk?

A.Immediate surgical excision and placement of a microhybrid resin composite

B.Non-operative remineralization with topical fluoride and biofilm control

C.Cavity preparation with a 330 bur followed by resin-modified glass ionomer restoration

D.Enamel microabrasion using 18% hydrochloric acid and pumice slurry

Explanation: ICDAS code 1 and 2 lesions represent non-cavitated demineralization confined to enamel with an intact surface. Contemporary minimally invasive dentistry dictates non-operative management, utilizing biofilm disruption and high-concentration topical fluoride (such as 5% NaF varnish, 22,600 ppm F) or 5,000 ppm F dentifrice to drive surface and subsurface remineralization, preserving sound tooth structure.

7Which rubber dam clamp design is specifically engineered with subgingivally directed jaws to achieve secure four-point engagement on partially erupted permanent molars or teeth with subgingival cervical margins?

A.Gingival retraction clamp with dual bows, such as Ivory #212

B.Flat-jawed clamp, such as Ivory #W2

C.Clamp with jaws inclined gingivally, such as Ivory #W8A or #14A

D.Winged butterfly clamp with flat jaws, such as Ivory #9

Explanation: Clamps with downward-angled, subgingivally reaching jaws (such as #W8A, #8A, #14, or #14A) are designed to grasp below the height of contour on short clinical crowns, partially erupted molars, or subgingival finish lines, ensuring stable four-point stabilization without slipping.

8What primary chemical mechanism accounts for the intrinsic direct adhesion of conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) to untreated enamel and dentin?

A.Chelation of carboxylate groups in polyacrylic acid with calcium ions in hydroxyapatite

B.Micro-mechanical interlocking of dimethacrylate monomers into acid-etched dentinal tubules

C.Covalent cross-linking between polyalkenoic acid chains and dentinal type I collagen fibrils

D.Hydrogen bonding between silica particles and hydroxyl groups in water

Explanation: Conventional glass ionomer cements achieve true chemical adhesion to tooth structure through ionic bonding (chelation). The carboxylate groups (-COO-) of the polyacrylic acid polyalkenoate chains displace phosphate ions and form stable ionic bridges with calcium ions (Ca2+) embedded in the hydroxyapatite lattice of enamel and dentin.

9According to classic G.V. Black cavity preparation principles, what is the primary geometric requirement for the cavosurface margin of an occlusal amalgam preparation to prevent edge fracture?

A.A 45-degree bevel placed across the entire enamel margin

B.A 90-degree cavosurface butt joint angle that creates a 90-degree amalgam margin

C.A chamfer margin placed 1.0 mm into dentin

D.A knife-edge margin extending to the crest of the triangular ridge

Explanation: Dental amalgam exhibits low edge strength and brittle behavior under tensile and shear forces. A 90-degree cavosurface margin (butt joint) produces a corresponding 90-degree amalgam edge angle, which provides optimal bulk resistance against marginal chipping and bulk fracture.

10In a Class I occlusal cavity preparation restored with direct resin composite, why does the restoration experience the highest configuration factor (C-factor) among single-surface restorations?

A.The unbonded surface area exceeds the bonded surface area, preventing stress relaxation

B.It has four bonded surfaces and two unbonded surfaces, producing a C-factor of 2:1

C.Five bonded surfaces and one unbonded surface give a C-factor of 5:1

D.The high depth-to-width ratio prevents the composite from reaching its gel point

Explanation: The configuration factor (C-factor) is defined as the ratio of bonded to unbonded surfaces. A Class I occlusal cavity has five bonded walls (mesial, distal, buccal, lingual, and pulpal) and only one free, unbonded occlusal surface, yielding a C-factor of 5:1. Because unbonded surface area is minimal, plastic flow during polymerization shrinkage is restricted, generating high internal contraction stresses at the adhesive interface.

About the Saudi Board Family Dentistry Exam

This resource is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation created by OpenExamPrep for dental residents preparing for the Saudi Board Final Written Examination in Family Dentistry. The official examination is administered by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) as the final cognitive certification requirement for the Main Specialty in Family Dentistry residency program. It is distinct from both the Saudi Postgraduate Diploma in Family Dental Medicine and the subsequent mandatory clinical/OSCE exit examination. The written examination tests clinical competence across comprehensive family and hospital dental care across 9 blueprint domains, with major concentrations in Hospital Dentistry (25%), Operative Dentistry (20%), and Endodontics (15%). OpenExamPrep is an independent educational initiative and is not affiliated with, approved by, or endorsed by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

Exam sponsor: Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Two papers, each with 100–125 single-best-answer MCQs. Up to 10% additional unscored items may be added. Duration is not stated in the written blueprint.

Time Limit

Not published by SCFHS

Passing Score

70% (lowered to minimum 65% if pass rate under 70%)

Exam / Certification Fees

Not published by SCFHS

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published by SCFHS. SCFHS publishes no candidate pass rate. The blueprint instead sets the passing score at 70% and, if fewer than 70% of candidates pass before final approval, lowers that score one mark at a time until a 70% pass rate is reached or the score reaches 65%, whichever comes first; it is never lowered below 65%. 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.

Basic Science

Head and neck anatomy, local anesthetic and analgesic pharmacology, oral microbiology, and bone wound healing biology.

20%

Operative Dentistry

Caries risk assessment and ICDAS diagnosis, adhesive systems, hybrid layer stability, direct composites, deep caries management, vital pulp therapy, and indirect ceramic onlays.

15%

Endodontics

Pulpal and periapical pathology, root canal anatomy and variations, mechanical instrumentation, irrigation dynamics, intracanal medicaments, obturation, and resorptive defects.

10%

Prosthodontics

Tooth preparation biomechanics, fixed all-ceramic restorations, zirconia bonding protocols, post and core ferrule rules, removable partial denture design, and vertical dimension management.

Periodontics

2017 AAP/EFP staging and grading, non-surgical therapy, area-specific instrumentation, furcation defects, periodontal-systemic interactions, and root coverage mucogingival surgery.

Dental Implant

Osseointegration biology, 3D surgical positioning, platform switching, peri-implant diseases diagnosis and treatment, and post-extraction site management.

10%

Pediatric Dentistry

Non-pharmacological behavior guidance, primary pulp therapy, Hall technique, space maintenance, severe early childhood caries management, and traumatic dental injuries.

Oral Surgery

Exodontia biomechanics, impacted third molar classification, alveolar osteitis management, oroantral communication repair, and fascial space infection triage.

25%

Hospital Dentistry

Pre-radiation and pre-chemotherapy oncology clearances, MRONJ risk staging and prevention, anticoagulation and antiplatelet protocols, bleeding disorders, solid organ transplant considerations, and chairside emergency resuscitation.

Preparing for the Saudi Board Family Dentistry Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70% (lowered to minimum 65% if pass rate under 70%)
Assessment: Two papers, each with 100–125 single-best-answer MCQs. Up to 10% additional unscored items may be added. Duration is not stated in the written blueprint.
Time limit: Not published by SCFHS
Exam / certification fees: Not published by SCFHS Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
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Saudi Board Family Dentistry: Suggested Study Strategy

1Dedicate significant study time to Hospital Dentistry (25%), focusing on cancer therapy oral complications, MRONJ staging and management, DOAC and antiplatelet guidelines, and emergency resuscitation algorithms.

2Review evidence-based Operative Dentistry (20%) and Endodontics (15%), including selective caries excavation, vital pulp therapy, bioactive hydraulic cements (MTA, Biodentine), and contemporary irrigation dynamics.

3Master the 2017 AAP/EFP classification system for periodontal and peri-implant diseases, including staging, grading, and diagnostic parameters.

4Familiarize yourself with pediatric trauma guidelines from the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) and pulp therapy protocols from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).

5Practice timing yourself on single-best-answer vignettes to maintain a steady pace of approximately 75–80 seconds per question.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official title and authority for the Saudi Board Family Dentistry exam?

The official title is the Saudi Board Final Written Examination - Family Dentistry, administered under the authority of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).

How is the Saudi Board Family Dentistry exam structured?

Two papers, each with 100–125 single-best-answer MCQs. Up to 10% additional unscored items may be added. Duration is not stated in the written blueprint.

What is the passing score requirement for the final written examination?

The nominal passing score is 70%. In accordance with SCFHS general examination rules, if fewer than 70% of candidates achieve 70%, the passing score is lowered one mark at a time until reaching a 70% pass rate, down to an absolute minimum floor of 65%.

Does this written practice bank replace the clinical examination?

This bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation for the written examination. It does not simulate or replace the separate mandatory final clinical/practical assessment. Consult the specialty clinical blueprint for its station formats and any structured oral or OSCE components.

How does this exam differ from the Saudi Diploma in Family Dental Medicine?

The Saudi Board in Family Dentistry is a comprehensive multi-year residency program leading to specialist consultant-track board certification. The Saudi Postgraduate Diploma in Family Dental Medicine is a separate diploma program with its own curriculum, blueprint, and examination.

What are the primary subject areas covered on the exam?

The blueprint covers 9 weighted areas: Hospital Dentistry (25%), Operative Dentistry (20%), Endodontics (15%), Pediatric Dentistry (10%), Prosthodontics (10%), Periodontics (5%), Dental Implant (5%), Oral Surgery (5%), and Basic Science (5%).

Free Practice Questions for Saudi Board Family Dentistry

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