Dental Therapy

The Dental Therapy Exam is designed to test clinical competencies consistent with the Dental Therapist’s Scope of Practice. The exam is divided into three parts: a manikin-based endodontic exam, a pediatric restorative exam, and a didactic (computer-based) examination, also called an OSCE (objective structured clinical examination). These exams are specific to the skill sets of Dental Therapists.

Only students or graduates of schools accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada may take the CDCA-WREB-CITA examinations. All other candidates (including international graduates) must apply through the state dental board in the state or jurisdiction where they wish to practice for permission to take an examination for licensure only in that state or jurisdiction.

Dental Therapy OSCE

The Dental Therapy OSCE (DT OSCE) is a 100-question multiple-choice computerized examination delivered at Prometric Test Centers. The test is approximately 2.5 hours in length, including an introduction, tutorial, and final survey. The actual examination time is 1 hour and 55 minutes. Candidates may skip or mark items to be considered later. Once the examination is completed, however, the candidate will not be able to return to those questions. The time indicated on the computer screen is the amount of time for that subsection. There is no specific time limit for each item.

Exam Scoring

To view the exam scoring requirements please click here.

In order to register for any portion of the Dental Therapy Exam candidates will need to create an online Candidate Profile. All profiles must have a passport-quality photo, proof of graduation, and basic information. To avoid any additional fees we suggest making your account at least one week prior to the registration deadline. Any request to be added to an exam after the exam registration deadline needs to be submitted via Contact Us and will incur a $100 material procurement fee.

All requests to withdraw from the examination must be received by the application deadline to receive a full refund. Candidates requesting to withdraw after the application deadline will be charged a $100 admin fee.

Scheduling requests must be submitted to your profile prior to the registration deadline. While scheduling requests are not guaranteed but we do try our best to accommodate you.

Note: Outside candidates are only allowed in exams that say “Outside Candidates Accepted”

About the Dental Therapy Examination

The first-of-its-kind licensure examination for Dental Therapists, the Dental Therapy Examination delivered by CDCA-WREB-CITA, is based on sound principles of testing and measurement. To learn more about the skills tested, methodologies, and the development process, watch this video. Contact us to learn more.