About the SDLE: Format, Scoring, Eligibility, Attempts & Blueprint
Key Takeaways
The SDLE has 200 single-best-answer questions in two 100-question parts of 120 minutes each, with a scheduled 30-minute break; up to 10% may be unscored pilot items.
SCFHS set the SDLE pass mark at 542 on a 200-800 reporting scale through standard setting approved by its Central Assessment Committee; it is a scaled score, not a published percentage.
The SDLE blueprint weights Restorative Dentistry 40%, Periodontics 18%, Endodontics 17%, Oral Medicine and Surgery 15%, and Orthodontics/Pediatric Dentistry 10%.
Candidates may sit the SDLE up to four times a year until they pass; after a pass, two further attempts are allowed to improve the score for residency selection.
The SCFHS Professional Practice Licensure Exams Eligibility service in Mumaris+ costs SAR 120, and Prometric seats cannot be booked more than three months ahead.
The Saudi Dental Licensure Examination (SDLE) is the licensing examination that the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) uses to confirm that a dental graduate can apply knowledge safely in general practice. It belongs to the SCFHS family of professional practice licensure exams (SMLE for physicians, SDLE for dentists, SNLE for nurses, SPLE for pharmacists, and others). Test-preparation sites sometimes call it the "SPLE dentist" exam; the official name is SDLE. Knowing the rules matters because lateness, a second sitting in the same window, or a missed attempt deadline can cost you an attempt.
Exam Structure
| Feature | Official SDLE rule (SCFHS applicant guide, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Computer-based test at SCFHS-approved Prometric centers in Saudi Arabia and abroad |
| Length | 200 questions in two parts of 100 questions |
| Time | 120 minutes per part, plus a scheduled 30-minute break between parts |
| Pilot items | Up to 10% of questions may be unscored pilot items |
| Item type | Four options, one best answer |
| Question style | Recall items plus scenario items testing interpretation, analysis, decision-making, reasoning and problem-solving |
Because pilot items are not identified, treat every question as scored. With 120 minutes per 100 questions you have about 72 seconds per question, so long vignettes should be read question-first: read the final line, then scan the stem for the data you need.
Scoring and Results
SCFHS ran a standard-setting exercise with a panel of Saudi dental experts. The passing score is 542 on a reporting scale of 200 to 800, reviewed and approved by the Central Assessment Committee (CAC). This is a scaled score; SCFHS does not publish a fixed percentage of correct answers that equals 542, so ignore claims that it is "about 60%" or "68%".
- Results are not instant. Psychometric analysis runs during the window-closing period, and results are announced within 2 to 6 weeks after the testing window ends.
- Each candidate receives a statement of results and a feedback report comparing performance with other test takers.
Eligibility and Application
You may apply with a recognized primary dental degree (BDS or equivalent), after starting the internship year, or as a student one year away from graduation; Saudi students may sit during their final undergraduate year.
- Create or update your Mumaris+ account and apply for the SCFHS Professional Practice Licensure Exams Eligibility service (listed fee SAR 120, service time about five business days).
- After processing, SCFHS issues a scheduling permit with your eligibility period by email.
- Book a seat with Prometric. Scheduling is not available more than three months in advance, and SCFHS publishes fixed testing windows (twelve windows were listed for 2026, from 4 to 22 January through 1 to 24 December).
- An optional SCFHS SDLE practice exam (listed at USD 129) is sampled from the SDLE item bank and mirrors the blueprint.
Attempts and Retakes
- You may take the SDLE up to four times a year, counting from the first attempt, until you obtain a pass.
- After passing, you are eligible for two further attempts to improve your mark for residency selection; SCFHS also lists an annual improvement attempt once per training year when classification and registration requirements are met.
- You may not sit twice in the same testing window: the first dated result is announced and the second sitting counts as an attempt with an invalid result.
- SCFHS classification and registration rules apply to candidates who fail the SDLE for two years after graduation, and scheduling your attempts within the year is your own responsibility.
Test-Day Rules
| Situation | Rule |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Centers open at 7:30 a.m.; arriving more than 30 minutes late or being absent counts as an attempt unless an accepted documented reason is presented |
| Identification | Scheduling permit plus an unexpired passport or national/residence ID (KSA only); names must match exactly |
| Notes | Only the laminated writing surfaces issued by staff; writing on hands or tissue may be reported as irregular behavior |
| Breaks | The block clock keeps running if you leave the room; exceeding the break time starts the next part automatically |
| Integrity | Sharing or reconstructing items is prohibited; SCFHS penalties range from a written warning or canceled result to suspension (six months to three years) or permanent disqualification |
The Official Blueprint and How This Guide Follows It
| Section | Weight | Approximate questions (of 200) | Official subsections include |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restorative Dentistry | 40% | 80 | Operative; fixed, removable partial and complete prosthodontics; dental anatomy and occlusion; basic implantology; ethics and professionalism; infection control and patient safety |
| Periodontics | 18% | 36 | Anatomy and histology, examination, classification, etiology, pathology, nonsurgical and surgical therapy, implants and peri-implant disease, iatrogenic factors, referral |
| Endodontics | 17% | 34 | Pulpal and periapical pathosis, treatment planning, anatomy, instruments, emergencies, mishaps, endo-perio lesions, trauma, vertical root fracture |
| Oral Medicine and Surgery | 15% | 30 | Exodontia and local anesthesia, surgery and biopsy, infections, cysts and tumors, mucosal and salivary disease, bone pathology, medically compromised patients, facial pain, trauma |
| Orthodontics/Pediatric Dentistry | 10% | 20 | Growth, diagnosis, malocclusion classes, appliances, interceptive care, behavior guidance, caries prevention, pulp therapy, trauma, child abuse |
SCFHS lists local anesthesia, professionalism and bioethics, and infection control and patient safety as common to all sections in its reference list, so expect these themes inside clinical vignettes. Questions use FDI two-digit notation (for example, 36 is the permanent mandibular left first molar and 85 the primary mandibular right second molar).
Study Strategy
- Spend about 40% of study time on restorative chapters (Chapters 2 to 10 of this guide), because they carry 80 questions.
- For each subsection, learn the decision point the exam tests: which material, which next step, which classification.
- Do timed blocks of 50 to 100 questions to build the stamina the two 120-minute parts demand.
- Review the SCFHS reference textbooks for weak areas (for example Sturdevant for operative dentistry, Carranza for periodontics and Pathways of the Pulp for endodontics); SCFHS notes that the list is a study aid and not an endorsement.
A candidate receives an SDLE scaled score of 545. Which statement correctly interprets this result?
It fails, because SCFHS requires at least 60% of raw answers correct before any scaling
It passes, because the SCFHS pass mark is 542 on the 200-800 reporting scale
It passes only if every one of the five blueprint sections is above 542
It cannot be interpreted until SCFHS converts it into a published percentage
A dentist passed the SDLE on the first attempt but wants a higher score to compete for a Saudi Board residency. What does the SCFHS applicant guide allow?
One retake only, and it must be booked within the same testing window
No further attempts, because a passing result closes SDLE eligibility
Two further attempts after passing to improve the mark for residency selection
Unlimited further attempts, provided each one is booked in a different testing window
According to the official SDLE blueprint, under which section are "Ethics and Professionalism" and "Infection Control and Patient Safety" listed as subsections?
Restorative Dentistry, the 40% section of the blueprint
Periodontics, as part of multidisciplinary care and referral
Orthodontics/Pediatric Dentistry, alongside child abuse
Oral Medicine and Surgery, together with medical emergencies
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.