ADC Written Exam (Dental Hygiene)

It is stage two of the ADC dental practitioner assessment process for internationally qualified practitioners, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists and oral health therapists. You must first complete a successful initial assessment that remains valid with an expiry date later than your examination date before you can apply for a seat.

It is a computer-delivered, multiple-choice question examination held across two days. All equipment and supplies you need are provided by the venue. You must attend the same venue for both examination days, and you follow the terms of the Candidate Rules Agreement throughout.

It is held twice a year, usually in March and September. Each period has a published application window, and eligible candidates receive an email with an application link when it opens. For example, the 2027 Period 1 examination is scheduled for 17 and 18 March 2027, with applications open 8 to 15 December 2026.

The published written examination fee is $2,122 AUD, paid when you complete your application in ADC Connect. The ADC indicates an approximate timeframe of five months from the application period through to release of results. Fees and dates change, so confirm the current figures on the ADC website before you budget.

Results are released via your ADC Connect profile approximately six weeks after your examination date. There is no separate postal result. If you are continuing to the practical examination stage, plan your study and travel around that roughly six-week turnaround rather than booking on the assumption of an immediate outcome.

Yes. There are no limits on the number of times you can attempt the written examination, so a failed attempt does not end your pathway. Note, however, that a pass is valid for five years, so if you pass but delay the practical examination beyond that window you would need to consider your position again.

No. You must select the same venue for both examination days when you book through Pearson VUE after receiving your Authorisation to Test email. Venue changes can be made through Pearson VUE while the booking period remains open, subject to availability, but centre capacity is limited and allocated first come, first served.

The ADC states you do not need to complete an English test for any stage of the dental practitioner assessment process. However, the written and practical examinations are delivered in English, your communication is assessed in the practical examination, and registration applicants must meet the Dental Board of Australia's English language skills registration standard.

The ADC states it does not recommend or endorse any proprietary or informal courses advertising as preparation for the written examination, noting they are developed and run without ADC input. Treat paid courses as optional. The ADC's own Written handbook for general dentistry is the authoritative source on format, requirements and how the examination is graded.

Bring one form of primary ID as authorisation to sit the examination; acceptable ID types are listed in the ADC handbook and on the Pearson VUE website. The most common avoidable setbacks are an initial assessment that expires before the examination date, missing the application or venue-booking window, and arriving without valid ID.