CRDTS Dental exam-day guide
CRDTS Dental · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID whose name matches your registration exactly. If your name differs (maiden name, hyphenation), confirm with the provider which supporting documents they accept before test day.
Admission or eligibility confirmation
Carry the confirmation the provider issues after you register and schedule (email or printed copy). Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital version is acceptable.
Scheduling and testing-center details
Know the exact address, arrival time, and any parking or transit notes. Confirm with the provider whether you are testing at a professional testing center or another approved location, since check-in procedures differ.
Approved calculator or reference materials
The CRDTS Dental examination includes a clinical-science/board-style component; confirm with the provider which calculators, formula sheets, or reference materials, if any, are permitted, and whether an on-screen calculator is built into the delivery platform.
Personal protective equipment and clinical attire
If any portion involves a clinical or simulated setting, bring the attire and PPE the provider specifies. Confirm with the provider the exact PPE list, since requirements can change between administrations.
Any required clinical instruments or materials
Some dental board examinations require candidates to supply specified instruments or materials for a clinical/manikin portion. Confirm with the provider the current list and whether sterilization documentation is required.
Water and a light snack for breaks
Bring only items the provider permits in the testing room; most centers require food and drink to stay in a designated area. Confirm with the provider the break policy and locker availability.
Rest and travel plan
Plan to arrive with buffer time for traffic, security screening, and check-in. Confirm with the provider the latest arrival time after which a candidate may be refused entry.
Review the candidate handbook and rules
Read the current candidate handbook or agreement for conduct, prohibited items, and scoring. Confirm with the provider which version applies to your administration.
Verify your registration status and score-report method
Confirm your registration is complete and understand how and when results are released. Confirm with the provider the score-report timeline and whether results are posted online, mailed, or both.
Plan the day
Re-read the candidate handbook and your admission confirmation. Verify the test location, start time, ID requirements, and the permitted-items list. Confirm with the provider any question about what you may bring, especially for any clinical portion. Pack your ID, confirmation, and approved materials in one bag. Do a final content review focused on high-yield areas and your own weak spots rather than new material. Protect sleep: shift bedtime earlier over these nights so you are rested.
Confirm travel and parking logistics and check the weather and transit advisories. Lay out clothing and any required PPE or instruments. Charge devices only if the provider permits them (many do not allow phones in the testing room). Eat familiar meals and avoid heavy caffeine late in the day. Do a light review of formulas or key concepts, then stop early. Set two alarms. Confirm with the provider the check-in window and what happens if you arrive late.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate, but avoid excessive fluids if break access is limited. Arrive at the site with buffer time. Have your ID and confirmation ready for check-in. Follow staff instructions for lockers, security screening, and any biometric check-in. Use the restroom before entering the testing room. Confirm with the provider the procedure if a technical problem occurs during the exam.
Read each question fully and identify what is being asked before answering. Pace yourself against the number of items and remaining time; do not spend too long on any single item. Flag uncertain items and return to them if the platform allows. Use any scheduled breaks as instructed and return promptly. If equipment or software malfunctions, stop and notify the proctor immediately and follow their instructions. Confirm with the provider the policy on unscheduled breaks and on reporting technical issues.
Rules to check
Bring the original, unexpired government-issued photo ID that matches your registration name. Confirm with the provider which secondary documents are accepted if your name has changed.
Follow all testing-center and proctor instructions, including locker use, security screening, and any biometric check-in. Failure to comply can result in dismissal; confirm with the provider the specific conduct rules for your administration.
Do not bring prohibited items into the testing room. Phones, smart watches, notes, and unauthorized electronics are typically barred; confirm with the provider the exact list and where personal items must be stored.
Breaks are generally available only as specified by the provider, and unscheduled breaks may be logged or limited. Confirm with the provider the break policy, including whether break time counts against your testing time.
Scoring and pass/fail decisions are set by the provider. Understand how your exam is scored and when results are released; confirm with the provider the scoring method, reporting timeline, and any retake or appeal process.
Report any technical problem, illness, or irregularity to the proctor immediately and follow their documentation process. Confirm with the provider the deadline and procedure for filing a report after the exam.
Do not discuss, reproduce, or share exam content. Candidate agreements typically prohibit disclosing exam items; confirm with the provider the confidentiality terms you agreed to.