CDT study plan
CDT · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.