Bahamas Dental Council

Exam Guidelines 2016

GUIDELINES FOR THE BAHAMAS DENTAL

COUNCIL QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS
The Bahamas Dental Council is mandated by the Dental Act as the regulatory body
governing the practice of dentistry in The Bahamas. In an effort to maintain high standards
of practice and to ensure that the public is properly served by duly trained and competent
practitioners, the Council is offering this exam to ensure optimal level of competency in new
practitioners outside of the recognized jurisdictions (Canada, USA or UK).
The Examination Board recognizes that schools vary in teaching methodologies and
philosophies, however, the examination is designed around basic dentistry that any graduate
should be able to master. The Bahamas Dental Council, the Examination Board, the
Examiners and the Dental Association of The Bahamas are made up of Bahamian
practitioners and you will be tested as a general dentist with emphasis on basic
requirements.
The examination fee is $1,500. The fee is to be paid at the Dental Council's office by Friday,
August 19th, 2016. The examination fee is NOT refundable once the candidate has begun
the examination process.
The Candidate must pass EACH section of the examination with a 70% minimum score in
order to receiving an overall passing grade.
Examination candidates are REQUIRED to present a photo ID at every exam.

Examination Re-sitting:
The examination has (5) sections.
Candidates who fail (1) or (2) sections can re-sit the failed section/sections in
December of 2016.
Candidates who fail (3) or more sections must re-sit the entire examination when
it is offered again.
Candidates who fail any "re-sit section" must re-sit the entire examination when it
is offered again.

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Exam Guidelines 2016

Candidates who fail (2) consecutive examinations can only re-sit the examination
after a 2-year waiting period.

The examination dates are as follows: September 5-9, 2016.

Written examination:

Clinical examinations:
o Endodontics
o Restorative
o Crown & Bridge
o Periodontics

Bahamas Dental Council

Exam Guidelines 2016

SCOPE OF EXAMINATION
1. Written Dental Examination
a.

The examination will have 120 questions and last for 2 1/2 hours.

b. The candidate is required to furnish a sharpened pencil.

2.

Clinical Examinations General Requirements

In order to protect the patient, candidate, and all concerned in the clinical
examinations, adherence to asepsis and infection control will be monitored. Infection
Control Standards are based upon universally accepted standards and precautions.
These include:

1. All treatment personnel must wear examination gloves during treatment procedures. (If your
patient has a latex allergy, it is the responsibility of the candidate to provide non-allergenic or
latex free examination gloves for the clinical procedures, for both themselves and the
examiners. This must be clearly indicated on the medical history form.)
2. All treatment personnel must wear protective masks during treatment procedures. (Patients
with active TB will not be accepted).
3. All treatment personnel, patients, and assistants must wear protective eyewear during
treatment procedures.
4. All critical instruments and items used in or near the mouth must be sterilized in a heat
or heat-pressure sterilizer.
5. All Touch and splash surfaces must be carefully disinfected with an intermediate, or
higher level EPA registered, hospital-grade disinfectant, or covered with a protective barrier.
6. Potentially contaminated waste must be disposed of properly.
7. Recent radiographs (digital or standard films) are required for the Restorative and
Periodontics examinations with the date and candidate's name attached. Radiographs (for
Restorative and Periodontics) must be submitted to the Dental Council's office to
be evaluated/approved by the Examiners on or before Friday, August 19th, 2016.

Bahamas Dental Council

Exam Guidelines 2016

RESTORATIVE EXAMINATION
Time: 2 hours

It

is

strongly

recommended

that

the

pre-operative

diagnostic

radiographs be mounted, and labeled. The medical history form and

other data sheets must be filled out prior to the starting time of the
examination.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Candidates are required to supply their own patient/patients for this examination.
Candidates will perform a Class II, and a Class 111 composite preparation and

restoration. The tooth selected is the choice of the candidate; however, it must not have
been previously restored. It must have an opposing and an adjacent tooth in proper contact.
The opposing tooth can be natural, fixed or removable prosthesis; however, the adjacent tooth
must be natural or fixed. Adjacent carious lesions which will not permit the
candidate to restore a proper contact WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The proximal
caries must extend into the Dento-Enamel Junction, (DEJ) and must be demonstrated
radiographically and clinically. The tooth selected should have no evidence of pathology
(except caries) and minimal periodontal involvement i.e. not Class II or Class III mobility.
The surface selected is the choice of the candidate. However, if more than one proximal
surface is involved, whether radiographically, clinically, or by the extent of the caries, the
appropriate clinical procedure is expected to be followed. Tooth selection is a part of the
evaluation.
Candidates are requested to make sure that a recent prophylaxis has been performed on the
patient, as case selection is a grading criterion. A concluding postoperative radiograph
done at the examination site is also a requirement.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS SECTION OF THE EXAMINATION IS TO TEST THE
CANDIDATES ABILITY TO PREPARE AND RESTORE A CLASS 11 POSTERIOR

TOOTH, AND A CLASS 111 ANTERIOR TOOTH. On completion of the ideal

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Exam Guidelines 2016

preparation, this step MUST be SEEN AND RECORDED BY THE PROCTOR. If decay or
other circumstances dictates that any deviation from ideal should be performed, this MUST
BE

DISCUSSED

WITH

THE

PROCTOR

BEFORE

PROCEEDING.

ANY

DISCUSSION WITH THE PROCTOR MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND SIGNED BY

THE PROCTOR. THIS IS TO BE SEEN BY THE EXAMINERS BEFORE GRADING.
DO NOT PROCEED TO THE RESTORATIVE PHASE UNTIL AUTHORIZED TO DO SO.
Points will be deducted for failure to follow these guidelines.
SHOULD YOU HAVE A QUESTION AT ANY TIME ON PROCEDURAL MATTERS,
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK THE PROCTOR.

Obviously, questions relating to the clinical exercise will not be answered.

The examination board requires that the applicant be acquainted with all restorative
procedures and materials. The use of a rubber dam is not a requirement of the examination,
however, if its use is required as in the case of deep carious lesions, it is the sole responsibility
of the candidate to provide and be familiar with its application. Applicants are required to
bring their own instruments and dental materials for this portion of the

examination. Candidates are encouraged to bring their own dental assistant. The assistant
selected must NOT be:
a) A Dentist.

d) A Dental Therapist

b) A Dental Student.

e) A Dental Hygienist.

c) A Dental Nurse.

f) A Dental Technician.

g) A Dental Auxiliary student EXCEPT a Dental Assistant Student

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Exam Guidelines 2016

PERIODONTICS EXAMINATION
Time: 2 hours

The periodontics examination is divided into two parts.

A. Theory
The theory consists of: case presentation, radiographic presentation, medical history of
the patient, and an oral examination on periodontal related topics.
B. Clinical
The clinical consists of: probing a selected arch, scaling and root planning a selected
quadrant under local anesthesia, patient management, and use of periodontal
instruments.
Sequence of examination:
I.

Oral case presentation, radiographic presentation, interpretation and diagnosis,

medical history of patient and theoretical section of the exam.

II.

Probing and charting of a selected arch.

III.

Scaling and polishing of a selected quadrant under local anesthesia.

IV.

Grading. Candidates and dental assistants are requested to leave the

examination room during this final grading period.

V.

Dismissal of the patient, clean up and disinfection of the operatory.

CANDIDATES ARE ALLOWED TO PRESENT A MAXIMUM OF TWO (2) PATIENTS
FOR CONSIDERATION.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT
Candidates will be required to furnish their own patient with a mounted full mouth series of
radiographs (taken within one year of the examination date), periodontal charting, and
complete a scaling and polishing exercise. The patient must demonstrate evidence of
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Exam Guidelines 2016

periodontal disease both radiographically and clinically. An ideal patient is one with 4- 5 mm
pockets on average.
Candidates will be required to scale and polish one quadrant of at least five teeth, and probe
and chart one arch. Within the chosen quadrant there must be at least two multi-rooted teeth
adjacent to each other. All teeth within the selected quadrant must be scaled and
polished. Severe periodontal cases are not recommended and extreme cases with class III
mobility and without contacts will not be accepted. Gingivitis cases are also not accepted.
N.B. The arch chosen for scaling MUST be different from the arch chosen for
probing as both are graded simultaneously at the END of the examination exercise.
Candidates are mandated to provide their own Dental Assistant. This is not an option
for this exercise. Candidates will not be allowed to sit this portion of the examination
without an assistant. The assistant selected must NOT be:
a) A Dentist.
b) A Dental Student.
c) A Dental Nurse.
d) A Dental Hygienist.
e) A Dental Technician.
f) A Dental Auxiliary student EXCEPT a Dental Assistant Student.
Candidates will be required to demonstrate their ability in:
Diagnosis of periodontal disease and Oral Case Presentation.
Probing & charting of periodontal pockets on a patient.
Radiographic diagnosis & interpretation.
Demonstrating mobility.
Treatment planning.
Scaling and root planing.
Management of a periodontal patient.

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Exam Guidelines 2016

It is strongly recommended that the pre-operative diagnostic radiographs are

mounted, and the medical history form and other data sheets be filled out prior to
the starting time of the examination.

THE CANDIDATE IS REQUIRED TO UTILIZE THE UNIVERSAL NUMBERING

SYSTEM I.E. 1-32.

Candidates are permitted to use ultrasonic instruments. Candidates need to

ensure that the fittings on their respective ultrasonic units can adapt to the units
at the examination site. The Dental Council of The Bahamas does not provide
these items.

GRADING SCHEME/CRITERIA
Automatic failure
(1)

Subgingival calculus is readily detected after treatment with an explorer on 4 or

more surfaces selected.

(2) The patient is very uncomfortable and distressed.

(3) There is severe damage to the marginal gingival and/or amputated papillae on one or
more areas, or there is undue damage to the marginal gingival and/or papillae of 3 or
more areas.

Bahamas Dental Council

Exam Guidelines 2016

ENDODONTICS PRACTICAL
EXAMINATION
Time: 2 1/2 hours

A DIAGNOSTIC, MOUNTED PERIAPICAL RADIOGRAPH OF THE MOUNTED

CENTRAL INCISOR AND THE MOLAR IS A PREREQUISITE FOR THIS
EXAMINATION. (These items are provided)
Candidate Requirement
CONTENT

FORMAT

1. Access opening on an upper first molar

2. Access opening , canal instrumentation and
obturation (tooth #8)

Performed on a manikin
Time: 3 hours

Procedure Specific to the Endodontics Examination Section

During the Endodontics Examination Section, the candidate will perform.
1. An access opening on a posterior tooth (#3 on Columbia Typodont). Candidate
must achieve direct access to all three canals.
2. An access opening, canal instrumentation and obturation on an anterior tooth (#8).
Tooth #8 is considered to have a normal size pulp chamber for a 21 year old. The
size, shape and extent of the prepared access opening should reflect such anatomy
and will be graded accordingly. Canal instrumentation to a size 50 55 on the
Columbia Typodont.
Isolation dam. The use of an isolation dam is required for each endodontic procedure. An
isolation dam clamp should not be placed on tooth #3, (#14) or #8, as doing so may

cause the crown to separate from the root of these manikin teeth. Clamping of
adjacent teeth or ligation is acceptable. All treatment must be done with the dam in place.
Instruments. Other than the instruments and materials provided by the testing site, the
candidates are responsible for providing the instruments, files and materials of their choice.
Rotary instruments are permissible during the Endodontics Section.
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Exam Guidelines 2016

Prohibited treatments. On the anterior tooth, the use of warm gutta-percha or carrierbased, thermoplastic gutta-percha techniques should not be used, as they may cause damage
to the plastic endodontic tooth. If the anterior endodontic tooth fractures during filling, the
treatment should be completed. If the crown fractures during treatment, contact the
examiner, immediately.
Reference point. The cement-enamel junction (CEJ) on the facial surface should be used as
the reference point to determine the fill depth in the pulp chamber.
Filling material. No temporary filling material, cotton pellet or restorative material should
be placed in the pulp chamber.
Grading Scheme/Criteria
AUTOMATIC FAILURE:
(1) NO PRE-OPERATIVE RADIOGRAPH
(2) PERFORATION
(3) NO POST OPERATIVE RADIOGRAPH

It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the post-operative

radiograph is taken, processed, labeled, and mounted.

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Exam Guidelines 2016

CROWN AND BRIDGE EXAMINATION

Time: 3 hours

Objective: Three-Unit Bridge preparation AND fabrication of a provisional

restoration.

Prohibited materials.

Impressions, registration, overlays, stents, clear plastic shells,

models or pre-preparation are not permitted to be brought to the examination site. Failure
to follow these requirements will result in confiscation of the materials as well as
dismissal from, and failure of the examination.

Isolation dam. No isolation dam is required for the crown preparation.

Margins. If the simulated gingival margin is recessed below the CEJ prepare the margins to
within 0.5 mm of the CEJ. The lingual margin for the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown should
be prepared for a metal margin, 0.5 mm.
The lingual margin on the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown preparation should be
prepared to receive a metal margin. The transition from the facial shoulder to the lingual
chamfer margin should begin to occur at the interproximal-buccal line angles.
Occlusal reduction. The tooth for the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown should be
prepared for a porcelain occlusal surface with an optimal occlusal reduction of 2 mm. For
the full cast gold crown preparation, the occlusal reduction is optimally 1.5 mm.
Equilibration prohibited. No equilibration will be permitted on the typodont prior to
or subsequent to any crown preparation.
Taper. To taper is defined as to gradually become narrower in one direction. For the
purposes of this examination the requirements for tapering are illustrated below:

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Exam Guidelines 2016

Acceptable

Minimally Acceptable

Substandard

Before turning in his/her typodont at the end of the examination, each candidate must be
sure it is clear of all dust and debris.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENT:
1) Preparation of Three-Unit Bridge.
2) Fabrication of functional provisional restoration (temporary bridge).
The candidate is required to prepare a three-unit bridge, (bicuspid abutment and molar
abutment) and fabricate a functional provisional restoration (temporary bridge). A model
will be provided. The candidate can use burs of their choice. The finish line must be
readable and must be sealed when the temporary bridge is completely seated.

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