NDECC case studies
NDECC · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NDECC (National Dental Examining Board of Canada Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a station-based clinical assessment used within the NDEB certification pathway for dentists seeking licensure in Canada. It is aimed at graduates of Canadian and international dental programs who have completed the required written examinations and now need to demonstrate applied clinical judgement. Rather than testing isolated facts, stations present realistic scenarios: a patient interview, a radiograph or chart to interpret, a treatment-planning decision, a communication challenge, or a professional-ethics dilemma. Candidates rotate through stations under time pressure, interacting with standardized patients and recording structured responses. The NDECC case studies are 5 cases and about 2,184 words.
1Failing Composite Restoration in a Patient with Controlled Type 2 Diabetes
A 58-year-old man with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 7.8%, metformin only) presents with a 2-year-old distobuccal composite on tooth 16. He reports sharp pain with cold drinks that lasts 5-10 seconds and resolves, plus occasional discomfort on biting.
528 words, about 3 min2Periodontal Management Before Crown Lengthening for a Fractured Molar
A 45-year-old woman presents with a fractured distolingual cusp on tooth 46. The fracture extends 1 mm below the gingival margin.
475 words, about 2 min3Antibiotic Prophylaxis Decision for a Patient with a Prosthetic Valve
A 67-year-old man with a mechanical aortic valve and a history of infective endocarditis requires extraction of tooth 38, which has recurrent pericoronitis and a 6 mm pocket. He takes warfarin (INR 2.8, stable) and denies bleeding problems.
352 words, about 2 min4Occlusal Scheme Selection for an Implant-Supported Mandibular Overdenture
A 72-year-old woman with a severely resorbed mandible (Cawood and Howell class V) and a maxillary complete denture requests a mandibular implant overdenture. She has two implants placed at the canine positions with locator attachments.
418 words, about 2 min5Managing a Pediatric Patient with Early Childhood Caries and Behavioral Challenges
A 4-year-old girl presents with early childhood caries affecting teeth 51, 52, 61, 62, 74, and 84. She has no pain, no swelling, and no sinus tracts.
411 words, about 2 min