ADBA Dental Anesth study plan
ADBA Dental Anesth · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Written Examination (didactic knowledge of dental anesthesiology)
Build a one-page pharmacology reference table for the IV and inhalational agents most used in dental anesthesia, listing onset, peak, duration, and key adverse effects
Explain the pharmacokinetic differences among propofol, ketamine, and midazolam aloud in under 5 minutes without notes
Diagram the dose-response and receptor-level mechanism for each drug class in the reference table
Write 10 original single-best-answer questions covering your week's pharmacology content and answer them closed-book
Your checkpoint
Completed one-page pharmacology reference table plus a scored 10-question self-quiz with rationales for each answer
Written Examination (didactic knowledge of dental anesthesiology)
Summarize the physiology of the airway, ventilation, and oxygenation as they apply to sedated dental patients
Compare monitoring modalities (pulse oximetry, capnography, ECG, blood pressure, precordial stethoscope) by what each detects and its limitations
List the criteria and steps for recognizing and managing airway obstruction, laryngospasm, and aspiration under sedation
Draft a one-page emergency algorithm for a desaturation event in the dental chair
Your checkpoint
One-page airway and monitoring summary sheet plus a written desaturation emergency algorithm reviewed against your own recall
Written Examination (didactic knowledge of dental anesthesiology)
Categorize patient risk using ASA physical status and identify which comorbidities warrant deferral or modification of sedation
Explain the interaction of common dental and medical medications with sedative agents
Describe local anesthetic pharmacology, maximum doses, and recognition of local anesthetic systemic toxicity
Write 10 original case-vignette questions on patient assessment and answer them with rationales
Your checkpoint
Patient risk stratification checklist plus a scored set of 10 original vignette questions with written rationales
Written Examination (didactic knowledge of dental anesthesiology)
Consolidate didactic knowledge by completing a timed 100-question practice set drawn from your own notes and reference materials
Identify your three weakest content areas from the practice set and write a remediation plan for each
Recite aloud the indications, contraindications, and dosing for moderate sedation in pediatric and adult dental patients
Review and correct every missed item in writing
Your checkpoint
Timed 100-question practice set with a score report and a written remediation plan for the three weakest areas
Oral Examination (case-based clinical judgment in dental anesthesiology)
Practice structured case presentation aloud for three different patient scenarios, including history, risk assessment, and anesthetic plan
Rehearse answering 'what would you do if' follow-up questions for each case, defending each choice with evidence
Draft a personal framework for articulating clinical decisions under examiner questioning
Record yourself presenting one case and critique the recording for clarity and completeness
Your checkpoint
Three written case presentations plus one recorded oral presentation with a self-critique checklist
Oral Examination (case-based clinical judgment in dental anesthesiology)
Work through 8 complex case scenarios involving comorbidities, pediatric patients, and emergencies, writing a management plan for each
Articulate aloud the rationale for each management decision in at least 4 of those cases
Compare alternative approaches for each case and justify the one you would choose
Identify recurring gaps in your clinical reasoning and note them for targeted review
Your checkpoint
Eight written case management plans, four with recorded oral justifications, plus a list of recurring reasoning gaps
Written Examination (didactic knowledge of dental anesthesiology) & Oral Examination (case-based clinical judgment in dental anesthesiology)
Run a mock oral examination session with a colleague or study partner covering at least 6 cases
Complete a second timed 100-question practice set and compare scores against week 4
Revisit your week 4 remediation plan and verify each weak area has been addressed
Refine your case presentation framework based on mock exam feedback
Your checkpoint
Mock oral examination feedback summary and a second scored practice set with a before-and-after comparison
Written Examination (didactic knowledge of dental anesthesiology) & Oral Examination (case-based clinical judgment in dental anesthesiology)
Review all condensed notes, reference tables, and algorithms in a single consolidated pass
Complete a final timed 100-question practice set and target a score above your week 7 result
Run two additional mock oral cases focused on your remaining weak areas
Finalize a personal exam-day checklist covering logistics, timing, and stress management
Your checkpoint
Final practice set score report, two completed mock oral cases, and a written exam-day checklist
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain airway physiology, monitoring limitations, and emergency management aloud without reference materials
Week 4: Scored at least 70% on the first timed 100-question practice set and have a written remediation plan
Week 6: Can present and defend a complete management plan for a complex case orally in under 10 minutes
Week 8: Scored above the week 7 practice set and completed all mock oral cases with documented feedback