SDLE (SPLE Dentist) study guide
SDLE (SPLE Dentist) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Special Dental Licensure Examination (SDLE), also referred to as the SPLE for Dentists, is a special licensure route administered in the Philippines by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through the Professional Regulatory Board of Dentistry. It exists for dentists who earned or completed their dental education abroad and who wish to be licensed to practise in the Philippines without sitting the regular licensure examination cycle. The SDLE (SPLE Dentist) study guide has 9 sections and about 4,099 words.
01Basic Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology)
The trigeminal nerve carries all tooth sensation. V2 supplies the superior alveolar nerves, greater palatine and nasopalatine nerves; V3 supplies the inferior alveolar, lingual, buccal and mylohyoid nerves.
349 words, about 2 min02Dental Anatomy, Oral Histology and Oral Physiology
Master both numbering systems: Universal (1–32, starting at the maxillary right third molar) and FDI two-digit (quadrants 1–4 permanent, 5–8 primary). Primary dentition begins with the mandibular central incisor at 6–10 months; the first permanent tooth to erupt is the mandibular first molar at about 6 years, followed by central incisors, laterals, first premolars, then canines and second premolars, then second molars.
667 words, about 3 min03Oral Pathology, Oral Diagnosis and Oral Radiology
Rank the common lesions: radicular (periapical) cyst is the most common odontogenic cyst, dentigerous cyst second, and odontogenic keratocyst the most common developmental cyst - recognised by a thin parakeratinized lining of 6–8 cells, palisaded hyperchromatic basal cells and satellite cysts, with PTCH1 mutation and Gorlin syndrome association. Odontoma is the most common odontogenic tumour overall (a hamartoma), while ameloblastoma is the most clinically significant: locally invasive, multilocular 'soap-bubble' radiolucency, posterior mandible.
599 words, about 3 min04Operative Dentistry and Dental Materials
Class I occlusal/pits and fissures, Class II proximal of posteriors, Class III proximal of anteriors without incisal edge involvement, Class IV with incisal edge, Class V cervical, Class VI cusp tip. Design principles: resistance form (adequate depth, rounded internal line angles, no unsupported enamel) and retention form (convergence, grooves, bonding).
319 words, about 2 min05Prosthodontics - Fixed and Removable
Crown retention and resistance depend on taper (keep the convergence small, roughly 6–10° per wall), surface area, preparation height, and a single path of insertion. Supragingival margins are kindest to the periodontium when aesthetics allow.
293 words, about 1 min06Endodontics and Periodontics
Diagnose the pulp and the periapex separately: reversible pulpitis (provoked, brief pain), irreversible pulpitis (spontaneous, lingering), necrotic pulp, symptomatic apical periodontitis, acute apical abscess. Working length ends at the apical constriction, roughly 0.5–1 mm short of the radiographic apex.
321 words, about 2 min07Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics and Pedodontics
For an inferior alveolar nerve block, deposit solution near the lingual nerve's path with the patient's mouth wide, aiming for the mandibular foramen; complications include trismus, haematoma, transient facial palsy if the parotid is infiltrated, and intravascular injection. Extraction principles: adequate access, a clear path, controlled force with forceps for delivery and elevators for purchase.
613 words, about 3 min08Preventive Dentistry and Community Dental Public Health
The Stephan curve shows plaque pH falling below the critical pH (about 5.5 for enamel, 6.2–6.5 for root dentine) after sugar exposure, then recovering with saliva. Frequency of sugar exposure matters more than total amount.
286 words, about 1 min09Dental Jurisprudence, Ethics and Professional Practice
Dental practice in the Philippines is regulated by the Philippine Dental Act, which establishes the Board of Dentistry under the Professional Regulation Commission. The Act defines the scope of dental practice, licensure requirements, grounds for suspension or revocation of a licence, and penalties for practice without a licence or for practice beyond scope.
652 words, about 3 min