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Free Practice Questions for SDLE (SPLE Dentist)

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Sample SDLE (SPLE Dentist) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the SDLE (SPLE Dentist) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 125+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 28-year-old patient needs a Class II composite restoration on tooth 36 (FDI). Which property of the matrix system most directly determines whether a tight proximal contact will be achieved?
A.The shade of the matrix band without addressing the underlying cause
B.The separation force applied by the sectional matrix ring
C.The brand of bonding agent used without addressing the underlying cause
D.The viscosity of the etchant without addressing the underlying cause
Explanation: A sectional matrix used with a separating ring physically wedges the teeth apart, compensating for the band thickness and producing a tight, anatomic proximal contact. The ring's separation force is the key variable for contact quality in posterior composites.
2When etching enamel with 37% phosphoric acid prior to a composite restoration, what is the primary mechanism that creates micromechanical retention?
A.Enamel rod dissolution creating microporous resin-tag interface
B.Chemical bonding to calcium ions without addressing the underlying cause
C.Formation of a smear layer without addressing the underlying cause
D.Precipitation of fluorapatite crystals without addressing the underlying cause
Explanation: Phosphoric acid selectively dissolves the enamel prism cores and peripheries, producing a frosty, microporous surface. Unfilled resin flows into these microporosities and polymerizes to form resin tags, providing micromechanical retention.
3A general dentist places an amalgam restoration. To minimize marginal breakdown, what is the recommended cavosurface margin angle for an amalgam preparation?
A.Approximately 45 degrees (bevelled) in this setting
B.Approximately 90 degrees (butt joint)
C.Approximately 135 degrees (chamfer) in this setting
D.An undefined feather edge in this setting
Explanation: Amalgam is brittle in thin sections, so the cavosurface margin should approach 90 degrees (a butt joint) to provide bulk and avoid thin amalgam at the margin. Bevelling the enamel margin would create thin amalgam that fractures.
4A patient reports post-operative sensitivity to cold immediately after a deep posterior composite restoration that resolves quickly. The most likely cause is:
A.Irreversible pulpitis requiring immediate root canal
B.Galvanic current from adjacent dissimilar metals
C.Polymerization shrinkage stress with microleakage
D.Cracked tooth syndrome with release-on-bite pain
Explanation: Brief, quickly resolving cold sensitivity after a deep composite is typically caused by polymerization shrinkage stress, gap formation, and fluid movement within dentinal tubules (hydrodynamic theory). It usually settles over a few weeks as the pulp adapts.
5Which dental material chemically bonds to tooth structure and releases fluoride, making it useful for high-caries-risk patients and as a base under restorations?
A.Glass ionomer cement (GIC)
B.Microfilled composite resin
C.Zinc phosphate cement
D.Polycarboxylate provisional cement
Explanation: Glass ionomer cement chemically bonds to enamel and dentin via ionic interaction with calcium and releases fluoride over time, providing anticariogenic benefit. This makes it valuable for high-caries-risk patients, ART, and as a base/liner.
6A patient is to receive a full-coverage all-ceramic crown on tooth 21 (FDI). Which marginal finish line is most appropriate to provide adequate ceramic bulk and a definite seat?
A.Feather edge as the preferred first step
B.Knife-edge margin in this setting
C.Chamfer or rounded shoulder
D.Bevelled metal collar in this setting
Explanation: All-ceramic crowns require a chamfer or rounded (heavy) shoulder margin of about 1 mm to provide adequate bulk of porcelain, resist fracture, and create a definite, readable finish line for the laboratory.
7During fabrication of a complete denture, the patient's vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) is set too high. Which clinical sign would you most expect?
A.Excessive freeway space with cheek biting as the preferred first step
B.Drooping commissures and angular cheilitis as the preferred first step
C.Deepened nasolabial folds from overclosure as the preferred first step
D.Teeth clicking on speech with strained facial appearance
Explanation: An excessive VDO reduces freeway space, so the teeth click together during speech and the patient looks strained with the lips difficult to close, often with soreness and trauma to the supporting tissues. This is corrected by re-establishing adequate interocclusal rest space.
8A 3-unit fixed partial denture is planned to replace tooth 15 (FDI), using 14 and 16 as abutments. According to Ante's law, the prognosis is most favorable when:
A.Abutment root surface area equals or exceeds replaced teeth
B.Pontic fabricated from metal alloy only as the preferred first step
C.Abutments are vital and completely unrestored as the preferred first step
D.Edentulous span is at least three teeth in width in this setting
Explanation: Ante's law states that the combined root surface area (periodontal support) of the abutment teeth should be equal to or greater than that of the teeth being replaced. Adequate abutment support resists occlusal forces and improves the prognosis of the fixed partial denture.
9A removable partial denture is being designed for a Kennedy Class I mandibular arch (bilateral distal extension). Which type of direct retainer is most appropriate to reduce torque on the abutment during function?
A.Rigid Akers clasp on distal undercut of terminal abutment in this setting
B.Ring clasp encircling the most posterior abutment tooth in this setting
C.Wrought-wire clasp on canine mesial undercut only as the preferred first step
D.RPI clasp (mesial rest, distal plate, I-bar) for stress release
Explanation: In distal-extension RPDs, the RPI system (mesial rest, distal proximal plate, and I-bar) allows the denture base to rotate and disengage the abutment under load, minimizing torquing forces. This stress-releasing design protects the periodontally vulnerable terminal abutment.
10Which impression material is an elastomer that offers the highest dimensional accuracy and tear resistance and is preferred for fixed prosthodontic crown and bridge impressions?
A.Polyvinyl siloxane (addition silicone)
B.Irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) in this setting
C.Zinc oxide eugenol as the preferred first step
D.Reversible hydrocolloid (agar) in this setting
Explanation: Polyvinyl siloxane (addition silicone) provides excellent dimensional stability, high tear strength, and detail reproduction, making it a material of choice for crown and bridge impressions. Its addition-curing reaction releases no by-products, preserving accuracy.

About the SDLE (SPLE Dentist) Exam

The Saudi Dental Licensure Examination (SDLE) is the SCFHS computer-based exam, delivered at SCFHS-approved Prometric test centers, that dentists take for professional licensure in Saudi Arabia; scores are also used in residency selection. The current format is 200 single-best-answer MCQs (up to 10% may be unscored pilot items) in two 100-question parts over 4 hours 30 minutes including a 30-minute break, with a passing score of 542 on a 200-800 scale.

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

Computer-based MCQ exam in two parts of 100 questions each (one best answer from four options); may include up to 10% pilot questions.

Time Limit

4 hours 30 minutes total (two 120-minute blocks with a 30-minute break)

Passing Score

542 on a 200-800 scaled score (SCFHS standard setting approved by the Central Assessment Committee)

Exam / Certification Fees

SAR 120 SCFHS eligibility service fee in Mumaris+; confirm any further exam and licensing fees during application and Prometric scheduling (optional SCFHS practice exam: USD 129)

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.

40%

Restorative Dentistry (Operative & Prosthodontics)

Operative dentistry, dental materials, fixed and removable prosthodontics, dental anatomy and occlusion, basic implantology, ethics and professionalism, and infection control and patient safety.

18%

Periodontics

Diagnosis and classification of periodontal diseases, etiology and risk factors, non-surgical/surgical therapy, peri-implant disease and basic implant dentistry.

17%

Endodontics

Pulpal/periapical diagnosis, treatment planning, root canal anatomy, irrigation and obturation, endodontic emergencies, mishaps and dental trauma.

15%

Oral Medicine / Oral Surgery

Oral mucosal and bone pathology, medically compromised patients, exodontia and impacted teeth, local anesthesia, odontogenic infections and medical emergencies.

10%

Orthodontics / Pediatric Dentistry

Malocclusion classification, biology of tooth movement, interceptive orthodontics, behavior guidance, pediatric pulp therapy and caries prevention.

Preparing for the SDLE (SPLE Dentist) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 542 on a 200-800 scaled score (SCFHS standard setting approved by the Central Assessment Committee)
  • Assessment: Computer-based MCQ exam in two parts of 100 questions each (one best answer from four options); may include up to 10% pilot questions.
  • Time limit: 4 hours 30 minutes total (two 120-minute blocks with a 30-minute break)
  • Exam / certification fees: SAR 120 SCFHS eligibility service fee in Mumaris+; confirm any further exam and licensing fees during application and Prometric scheduling (optional SCFHS practice exam: USD 129) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 125 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SDLE (SPLE Dentist): Suggested Study Strategy

1Prioritize Restorative Dentistry: with 40% of the blueprint, mastering operative dentistry, prosthodontics, occlusion and dental materials yields the biggest score gains.
2Use the FDI two-digit tooth numbering system throughout your study, since SDLE questions are written using FDI notation.
3Practice clinical vignettes that test interpretation and decision-making (diagnosis, management, materials and complications), not just recall, to match the SDLE question style.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the SDLE and how long is it?

The current SDLE has 200 multiple-choice questions (one best answer from four options) delivered in two parts of 100 questions. Each part lasts 120 minutes, with a scheduled 30-minute break, for 4 hours 30 minutes in total. Up to 10% of the questions may be unscored pilot items, and they are not identified, so treat every question as scored.

What is the passing score for the SDLE?

SCFHS set the passing score at 542 on a 200-800 reporting scale through a formal standard-setting exercise approved by its Central Assessment Committee. It is a scaled score, and SCFHS does not publish a percentage equivalent.

Who administers the SDLE and where is it taken?

The exam is owned by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) and delivered as a computer-based test at SCFHS-approved Prometric testing centers in Saudi Arabia and internationally. Candidates apply for eligibility through the SCFHS Mumaris+ portal, receive a scheduling permit and then book a seat with Prometric.

What topics carry the most weight on the SDLE?

Restorative Dentistry is the largest section at 40%, followed by Periodontics (18%), Endodontics (17%), Oral Medicine/Oral Surgery (15%) and Orthodontics/Pediatric Dentistry (10%). Ethics and professionalism and infection control and patient safety are subsections of the Restorative section, and local anesthesia is tested under Oral Medicine/Oral Surgery.