Format and Content
The Dental Specialty Core Knowledge Examination (DSCKE) consists of the following four (4) components. Candidates will receive an individual score on each of the four (4) components..
1.
Core Biomedical and Dental Sciences: 2 hours
This component consists of multiple-choice type questions. It is given in a 2 hour examination session. The sessions are held during the morning of the first day of the Dental Specialty Core Knowledge Examination (DSCKE).
Outlined below are the content areas that may be tested. Examples of questions, content and format are provided as a reference and study guide. This component will examine basic concepts required for all graduates of specialty programs in Canada.
This component will examine foundation science knowledge in the areas of
- tooth morphology, growth and development of the craniofacial complex
- oral physiology
- microbiology and immunology of oral diseases
- pain
- pharmacology
- biological effects of radiation
- human anatomy
- human physiology
- human histology
- human biochemistry
- nutrition
- neurological sciences
- oral biomaterials
2.
Scientific Literature Appraisal Skills: 2 hours
This component consists of multiple-choice type questions and is given in a 2 hour examination session held during the afternoon of the first day of the Dental Specialty Core Knowledge Examination (DSCKE).
Candidates are expected to understand the principles of evidence-based practice, critically appraise abstracts selected from the scientific literature with respect to hypothesis development, experimental design, and data testing and interpretation. Candidates will also require a basic understanding of the principles of clinical epidemiology, including the use and calculation of parameters in contingency tables. Information regarding contingency tables may be found at www.statpages.org or www.cebm.net.
This paper will contain a series of abstracts taken from the scientific literature outlining a problem being investigated, the experimental design, the results and the conclusions reported. The content of the articles will be from general science and not specific to a dental specialty. The object of this paper is to assess a candidate’s ability to interpret the findings reported and to critically analyze the investigative procedures used.
Citation references use the following format:
- Periodical
Bader JD, Shugars DA, Martin JA. Risk indicators for posterior tooth fracture. JADA 2004;135:883-92.
- Book
Cohen S, Burns RC. Pathways of the pulp. 8th ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 2002:196.
- Book chapter
Byrne BE, Tibbetts LS. Conscious sedation and agents for the control of anxiety. In: Ciancio SG, ed. ADA guide to dental therapeutics. 3rd ed. Chicago: American Dental Association; 2003:17-53.
- Government publication
Medicine for the public: Women’s health research. Bethesda, Md.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health; 2001. DHHS publication 02-4971.
- World Wide Web site
Hoffman ED, McFarland CM, Curtis CA. Brief summaries of Medicare & Medicaid: Title XVIII and Title XIX of the Social Security Act as of November 1, 2002. Baltimore, Md.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary; 2002. Available at: “www.cms.hhs.gov/review/supp/2001/overview.pdf”. Accessed Aug. 2, 2004.
- Publication in press
McCoy J. Alteration in periodontal status as an indicator of general health. JADA (in press).
- Presentation
Eichenstadt L, Brenner T. Caries levels among low-income children: report of a three-year study. Paper presented at: 146th Annual Session of the American Dental Association; Oct. 7, 2005; Philadelphia.
3.
Core Clinical Sciences Component: 2 hours
This component consists of multiple-choice type questions and is given in a 2 hour examination session. The session is held during the morning of the second day of the Dental Specialty Core Knowledge Examination (DSCKE).
Outlined below are the content areas that may be tested. Examples of questions, content and format are provided as a reference and study guide. This component will examine basic concepts required for all graduates of specialty programs in Canada.
This component will examine a candidate’s applied clinical science knowledge including diagnosis, treatment planning, prognosis, treatment methods and clinical decision making in the areas of
- general medicine and general pathology
- oral medicine and oral pathology
- radiology
- periodontics
- preventive dentistry
- operative dentistry
- endodontics
- prosthodontics
- orthodontics
- pediatric dentistry
- geriatric dentistry
- oral and maxillofacial surgery
- therapeutics
- dental biomaterials
- behavioral sciences
- dental public health and epidemiology
- ethics
- pain and anxiety control
- local anesthesia
4.
Patient Management
Part A: 1½ hours
This part consists of multiple-choice type questions. It is given in a 1½ hour examination session held during the afternoon of the second day of the Dental Specialty Core Knowledge Examination (DSCKE).
Part A will consist of an extended match examination. Questions may include photographs of radiographs; or, casts and models; or, patients and a patient case history, if applicable. One or more responses may be correct and candidates are required to answer with the most appropriate response or responses. Each question will require the candidate to review the background information supplied and answer extended match questions. All answers must be recorded on the answer score sheet provided.
Part B: 1½ hours
This part consists of multiple-choice type questions. It is given in a 1½ hour examination session held during the afternoon of the second day of the Dental Specialty Core Knowledge Examination (DSCKE).
This part will consist of a series of questions with photographs of radiographs, photographs of casts, photographs of models, photographs of patients and a patient case history if applicable. Each question will require the candidate to review the information supplied (e.g. case history, radiographs, casts, models) and answer multiple choice type questions. All answers must be recorded on the answer score sheet provided.
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