Relevance date: These instructions will apply to the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) conducted beginning in 2010. See the RCDC website for instructions for examinations conducted on earlier or later dates.

Pediatric Dentistry in Canada

Pediatric Dentistry is that branch and specialty of dentistry concerned with providing primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health diagnosis, care and consultative expertise for infants and children through adolescence, including those of all ages with special care needs.

COMPONENT I: Written Examination

The written papers consist of short answer questions. The examination is comprised of a 3-hour morning session and a 3-hour afternoon session. The focus of the written examination is the didactic and clinical science basis of Pediatric Dentistry and is based on the classical and contemporary pediatric dental literature. There are also a number of general knowledge questions. See attached “Pediatric Dentistry Examination Blueprint” for information regarding the possible content.

COMPONENT II: Oral Examination

Eligibility to proceed to Component II is predicated upon successful completion of the written examination (Component I). The purpose of Component II is to examine a candidate's abilities, knowledge, recognition, problem solving and treatment planning of clinical situations. This format will also test a candidate's ability to diagnose and manage both common and unusual problems that confront the pediatric dental specialist in clinical practice.

The Component II examination will consist of two 1-½ hour oral examination sessions. During the oral examination, candidates will be presented with case histories, medical and dental histories, radiographs, photographs and other clinical information. The oral examination will be conducted by at least two examiners. Candidates will be expected to recognize, diagnose and plan appropriate intervention; management and follow-up care for the presented patients. The focus is to evaluate the ability to successfully manage patients in a pediatric dentistry specialty practice. The Oral Examination will be structured to test the following domains in each of the two sessions. Each domain will cover a number of sub topics. The structure of the oral examination will be as follows:

Oral A (1-1/2 hours):

• Growth and Development (orthodontics, non-pharmacological behaviour management, physical and psychological development).
   
• Restorative & Surgical Management (restorative treatment, pulp treatment and surgical treatment).
   
• Prevention & Periodontology (infant oral health, prevention, periodontics).

Oral B (1-1/2 hours):

• Trauma (management of dento-alveolar and oro-facial trauma).
   
• Medical Management (special needs patients, hospital care, medical emergencies, sedation and therapeutics).
   
• Oral Pathology (radiology, management and diagnosis of craniofacial and dental anomalies).
   

Pediatric Dentistry Examination Blueprint

Definition of Terms:
In-depth – thorough knowledge of concepts and theories for the purpose of critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation (highest level)
Understanding – adequate knowledge with the ability to apply concepts
Familiarity – basic knowledge for purposes of orientation and recognition of general principles

Note: Blueprint applies to both the Written, and Oral Examinations

Preparing for the Pediatric Dentistry Oral Examination

General Guidelines for Preparation

1. Familiarize yourself with the format of the oral examination and the domains to be covered in each of the 1 ½ hour sessions. These domains should serve as a guide to your preparation for the oral examination and to the types of cases that may be covered in each of the two oral examination sessions.

2. Use textbooks as your primary method of study. The Reference Manual of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is a good source of currently recommended and accepted clinical practices. You will not be asked to directly cite research articles to substantiate your clinical decisions; however you will be expected to select clinical decisions and treatment based on current evidence based practice.

3. The oral examination is a test of your ability to assess, diagnose, treat and manage common clinical scenarios at the level of a specialist in Pediatric Dentistry. The cases are selected to be representative of what Pediatric Dentists in Canada see in their offices.