The Comprehensive and Recognized Graduate Examinations
Both the Comprehensive and Recognized Graduate examinations measure for basic knowledge in history, ethics and the five specialties. These examinations are written multiple-choice tests. There are 160 questions on the exams, covering basic dental laboratory knowledge: oral anatomy, tooth morphology, materials science, health & safety, fundamental theory and terminology across the five specialties tested by the NBC (Ceramics, Complete Dentures, Crown & Bridge, Orthodontics & Partial Dentures). Candidates have up to two and one-half (2 1/2) hours to complete the examination; they may use as much or as little of this time as they require.
The CDT Written Specialty Examinations
The Written Specialty examination is a requirement for all CDT candidates. This exam tests a candidates' knowledge in his or her chosen specialty area. The Written Specialty examination consists of eighty (80) multiple-choice questions. Each test item will consist of a question and four (4) possible answers, or an incomplete statement and four (4) possible ways to complete the statement. Of the four possible responses, the candidate must select the best answer. Candidates have up to seventy-five (75) minutes to complete the examination; they may use as much or as little of this time as they require.
The CDT Job Task Analysis (i.e., descriptions of what do CDTs do) was revised in 2010 and in 2011 the new Examinations will begin to be administered starting with (CE, CB, CD and PD). The 2011 dates are TBD.
