CDT study materials
CDT study resources

CDT study plan

CDT · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Complete Dentures

  • Describe the sequence and anatomic pattern of residual ridge resorption in the maxilla and mandible, and predict which arch loses retention faster.

  • State the physiologic and biomechanical rationale for denture base extension in each of the 5 border regions and match each to its border-molding maneuver.

  • Differentiate support, retention, and stability, and assign each to the specific clinical step that achieves it.

  • Rank the 4 common occlusal schemes for complete dentures by indicated patient presentation, giving one contraindication for each.

Your checkpoint

One hand-drawn, fully labeled denture foundation/border anatomy diagram plus a score of at least 80% on a 30-question self-written complete-denture quiz.

Week 2

Complete Dentures & Removable Partial Dentures

  • Sequence the complete-denture appointment series from diagnosis through post-insertion follow-up, naming the decision point at each visit.

  • Diagnose 8 common post-insertion complaints and trace each to a specific cause and a specific adjustment.

  • Explain how to verify and correct a processed occlusal error before delivering the denture.

  • Classify 10 partial-edentulous scenarios by Kennedy class and modification space, applying Applegate's rules explicitly.

Your checkpoint

A 10-row classification worksheet (scenario, Kennedy class, modification, abutment chosen) scored at 9/10 or better against a written answer key.

Week 3

Removable Partial Dentures

  • Select rests, rest seat designs, and clasp assemblies for 10 abutment scenarios and justify each choice in one sentence.

  • Compare maxillary and mandibular major connectors on rigidity, coverage, and tissue protection, and choose one for each of 6 clinical situations.

  • Order the mouth preparation sequence for an RPD from abutment modification to framework try-in.

  • Distinguish tooth-supported from tissue-supported designs and identify which scenarios must be converted to a different design.

Your checkpoint

A 12-case framework design worksheet with sketched component placement and a written justification line per case.

Week 4

Removable Partial Dentures & Crown and Bridge

  • Troubleshoot 5 RPD complications (framework fracture, occlusal prematurity, sore spots, clasp loosening, tissue proliferation) by ranking causes and stating the corrective step.

  • List indications, contraindications, and abutment requirements for single crowns, FPDs, and implants in a partially edentulous arch.

  • Compare preparation designs for full-metal, metal-ceramic, and all-ceramic crowns on reduction, finish line, and retention form.

  • Explain the biologic width and ferrule requirements and apply them to judge whether a given preparation is acceptable.

Your checkpoint

Milestone exam: a timed 60-question mixed set covering Domains 1 and 2, scored at 75% or higher, with every missed item rewritten as a corrected fact.

Week 5

Crown and Bridge

  • Sequence tooth preparation steps for a metal-ceramic FPD and an all-ceramic crown, stating the bur and the check performed at each step.

  • Compute required occlusal and axial reduction for 5 given clinical situations and state whether the plan is feasible.

  • Explain the principles of resistance form, retention form, and path of insertion, and apply them to judge a bridge design's soundness.

  • Select pontic design for 4 soft-tissue presentations and justify each on cleansability and esthetics.

  • Describe impression, provisionalization, and try-in procedures for a 3-unit FPD in correct order.

Your checkpoint

Five preparation checklist cards (one per restoration type) plus a 25-question crown-and-bridge quiz scored at 80% or higher.

Week 6

Ceramics

  • Classify dental ceramics by composition and processing method, and state the clinical implication of each class.

  • Match 10 clinical scenarios to the correct ceramic system and the minimum acceptable thickness for that system.

  • Order the etching, silanization, and cementation protocol for a glass-ceramic restoration, naming the agent used at each step.

  • Diagnose 5 ceramic failure modes and state the most likely fabrication or design error behind each.

  • Compare zirconia and lithium disilicate on strength, translucency, bonding, and indications.

Your checkpoint

A one-page material selection decision tree tested against 10 written scenarios, with at least 9/10 correct.

Week 7

Orthodontics

  • Classify 10 malocclusion descriptions by Angle class and note the skeletal versus dental contribution.

  • Identify 12 key cephalometric landmarks and interpret the SNA, SNB, and ANB values for 3 given tracings.

  • Match removable and fixed appliance types to indications, listing the force level and reactivation interval for each.

  • Sequence the phases of comprehensive orthodontic treatment and state the retention rationale for each outcome type.

  • List 5 iatrogenic risks of orthodontic treatment with the preventive step for each.

Your checkpoint

A labeled cephalometric landmark sketch plus a 25-question orthodontics quiz scored at 80% or higher.

Week 8

Complete Dentures & Removable Partial Dentures & Crown and Bridge & Ceramics & Orthodontics

  • Complete two timed 100-question mixed exams spanning all five domains and log every incorrect item by domain and error type.

  • Rank the 3 weakest topics by miss rate and re-drill each with a focused 20-question set until misses fall below 15%.

  • Condense each domain into a one-page high-yield summary containing only facts you missed at least once.

  • Re-derive the decision trees and checklists from weeks 2, 5, and 6 from memory and correct gaps.

Your checkpoint

A written error log naming the 3 weakest topics with re-test scores, plus a final mixed exam scored at 75% or higher.

Milestones

Week 2: Score 80% or higher on a 30-question complete-denture quiz and correctly classify 9 of 10 Kennedy scenarios.

Week 4: Score 75% or higher on the timed 60-question Domains 1-2 exam with all missed items rewritten as corrected facts.

Week 6: Place the correct ceramic system and thickness in 9 of 10 clinical scenarios and pass the 25-question crown-and-bridge quiz at 80% or higher.

Week 8: Score 75% or higher on a full 100-question mixed exam and show a documented drop in miss rate for the 3 weakest topics.