Dental Examination Content

The examination consists of five (5) individual, skill-specific Parts: one (1) computer-based (National Board Exam Parts I and II as constructed by the Joint Commission), two (2) manikin-based, and two (2) patient-based examinations.  Each examination is listed below:

  • Part I:   Computer-Based Examination (National Board Exam Parts I and II)
  • Part II:  Manikin-Based Endodontics Examination
  • Part III: Manikin-Based Fixed Prosthodontics Examination
  • Part IV: Patient-Based Periodontal Examination          
  • Part V:  Patient-Based Restorative Examination
Part I- Computer Based Examination (National Board Exam Parts I and II)

Currently, for Part I, CITA accepts the successful completion of the National Boards Part I and II as administered by the Joint Commission.  Candidates are required to provide the scores to CITA. Candidates have one year from successful passing of the CITA dental clinical examination to successfully complete the National Board Examination Parts I and II. National Boards are not necessary to take the examination but are required for CITA Status.

Part II - Manikin Based Endodontic Examination

Part II consists of two (2) procedures:  (a) an access opening only on a posterior tooth; and (b) an access opening, canal instrumentation, and obturation on an anterior tooth.

Part III - Manikin Based Prosthodontic Examination

Part III consists of three (3) procedures: (a) a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown preparation as an abutment for a bridge; (b) a cast gold metal crown preparation as an abutment for a bridge; and (c) a full ceramic crown preparation.

IV - Patient Based Periodontal Examination

Part IV consists of two (2) procedures: (a) Case Acceptance; and (b) Treatment Evaluation, and candidates must complete the entirety of Part IV within one and one-half (1 ½) hours.  The Case Acceptance procedure is evaluated based on whether the patient meets the published examination requirements.  For the Treatment Evaluation procedure, candidate performance is evaluated as to whether calculus, determined originally present on selected surfaces, has been removed, whether plaque/stain also has been removed from these teeth surfaces, and whether pocket depth measurements were accurate +/- 1.0 mm on the designated teeth. In addition, patient comfort and damage to adjacent soft and hard tissues are evaluated.

Part V - Patient Based Restorative Examination

Part V consists of four (4) procedures: (a) Class II Preparation; (b) Class II Restoration; (c) Class III Preparation; and (d) Class III Restoration.  Candidates must complete the entirety of Part V within four and a half (4 ½) hours.