Passing the board requires more than reading notes and handouts. It takes consistency, perseverance, and relentless focus to turn daily study habits into real success.
As a dental student, you know that it is one of the most difficult exams to pass because it has two phases: the Written Phase and the Practical Phase.
If you are an aspiring dental student looking for a comprehensive guide and reviewer for the upcoming board exam, this section might be what you need as we try to help you prepare for and pass the Written Exam.
However, let’s first discuss what the DLE is and what it covers.
What is DLE?
DLE is commonly known as the Dentistry Licensure Exam, sometimes called the Licensure Examination for Dentists (LED). The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board of Dentistry (BOD) administer it.
It is a licensure exam comprising both written and practical phases that all aspiring dental graduates must take before proceeding to the next phase. The DLE is a six-day exam (3 days for the written phase and another 3 days for the practical phase) and usually takes place twice a year, in May and December.
However, to pass the board exam, you’ll need to know the exam coverage.
Related post: How to Apply for the PRC Board Exam – A Comprehensive Guide
Exam Coverage for the Dentistry Licensure Exam
Exam coverage refers to the subjects and their weight included in the test. This guides examinees to understand the topics and skills being measured. Below is the comprehensive breakdown for the Dentistry Licensure Exam.
Licensure Examination for Dentists Coverage
Comprehensive breakdown of subjects, weights, and items for the Dentistry Board Exam:
Written Phase Subjects / Topics
Total: 900 Items
| Subjects / Topics | Weight | Items |
|---|---|---|
| General and Oral Anatomy and Physiology | 15% | 100 |
| General and Oral Pathology, General and Oral Microscopic Anatomy and Embryology, and Microbiology | 15% | 100 |
| Restorative Dentistry, Community Dentistry, and Public Health | 10% | 100 |
| Fixed, Removable Partial, Complete Denture Prosthodontics and Dental Materials | 10% | 100 |
| Roentgenology, Oral Diagnosis and Oral Surgery | 10% | 100 |
| Anesthesiology and Pharmacology | 10% | 100 |
| Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics | 10% | 100 |
| Dental Jurisprudence and Ethics and Practice Management | 10% | 100 |
| Periodontics and Endodontics | 10% | 100 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 900 |
Practical Phase Examinations
Main Practical Examination Subjects
| Practical Examination Subjects | Weight | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Restorative Dentistry Examination | 25% | 100 |
| Fixed Partial Denture Examination | 25% | 100 |
| Removable Partial Denture Design Examination | 20% | 100 |
| Complete Denture Examination | 30% | 100 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 400 |
Complete Denture Breakdown & Requirements
Detailed Criteria and Submission Guidelines
| Complete Denture Components / Criteria | Weight | Details / Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Diagnostic Casts | 10% | – |
| 2. Individual Trays | 10% | Shellac base plates, SC tray resin, VLC resin (blue or white) |
| 3. Master Casts | 15% | – |
| 4. Trial Denture Bases and Occlusion Rims | 25% | Shellac base plate, High heat pink wax, SC pink Resin, VLC resin (pink) (LC handheld and non-dental curing machines i.e., nailpolish UV lamp are not allowed.) |
| 5. Mounting of Master Casts | 15% | – |
| 6. Setting of the Artificial Teeth | 20% | – |
| 7. Perform Gingival Wax-up (Festooning) | 5% | – |
| TOTAL | 100% | – |
Required Submissions together with Mechanical Articulators:
- Diagnostic Casts
- Individual Trays
- Articulator with pre-mounted master casts
- Examinees own mounted master casts with the trial wax dentures
What is the Passing Score for the DLE?
The written phase weighs 60% while the practical phase weighs 40%.
Under the Professional Regulatory Board of Dentistry, Resolution No. 02, dental graduates must obtain a rating of at least seventy-five percent (75%) with no rating below fifty percent (50%) in the written phase or below fifty percent (50%) in any exercise in the practical phase.
If you obtain a General Weighted Average (written and practical phases) but receive a grade below 50% in any subject, in either the written or practical phase, you will still be marked as a failing examinee.
To pass, ensure you score 50% or higher in all subjects while meeting the minimum threshold of 75%.
Related Post: How to Compute Your Board Exam Rating
To maximize your chances of passing the board, we have prepared practice materials designed to boost your metacognitive skills through our Free Interactive Online Review.
General Directions:
- Choose a Study Mode.
- Enter your name to start the quiz.
- Read each item carefully and select the letter that shows the correct answer.
Welcome Back, Reviewer!
Select a learning module to continue your board exam preparation.