Exam overview

SRTA offers dental candidates the option of taking the traditional live-patient based examination or the newly developed and tested, complete manikin-based exam. Both exam styles adequately and reliably evaluate the hands-on clinical skills of the candidates. While SRTA is accepted in more than 75 percent of the U.S., every state is different and candidates should check the state’s acceptance of exams where you plan to practice.

SRTA will waive the cost of the retake of one section of the dental exam if the candidate is not successful in their initial exam.

SRTA’s dental licensing exam consists of five required sections: 

• Endodontic Clinical Examination Section 
• Fixed Prosthodontic Clinical Examination Section 
• Restorative Clinical Examination Section, Anterior and Posterior 
• Periodontal Scaling Clinical Examination Section 
• Diagnostic Skills Examination (Computerized)    

Each section is judged by specific criteria and scored on a “Pass/Fail” basis. Successful completion of a section is contingent on a passing score of 75 or more of the specified criteria in all procedures within that section. Successful completion of the examination requires passing all sections.

The examiners at all sites are experienced practitioners with diverse backgrounds. All examiners are trained and standardized prior to each examination and are evaluated to assure grading to established criteria. The examiners are separated from the candidates and will remain in the “Evaluation Area” of the clinic. The candidates must observe all signs and follow instructions so as to not breach anonymity. Anonymity is preserved between the scoring examiners and the candidates, but not among the examiners themselves. Examiners may consult with one another whenever necessary. There are times when fairness requires consultation between examiners.

Each candidate must furnish all necessary materials and instruments including high and slow speed hand pieces, they must also have chosen and vetted their live patient if not doing complete manikin-based examination. Patients must be at least 14 years of age. A parent or guardian must be available in the waiting area during treatment and provide written consent for minors under the age of 18.

On day one of the examination, candidates taking the examination are required to register prior to orientation and are expected to attend the orientation session/presentation where specific instructions for the exam will be given. An opportunity for questions and answers will be provided after the presentation is completed. Only candidates registered for the examination are permitted to attend the orientation session. Please direct your assistant and/or patients either to the clinical or waiting area. Candidates failing to attend the orientation session will not be given separate instructions.