Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DLOSCE™) | Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations

Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DLOSCE™)

Resources and tools for candidates seeking to complete the Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

ADA and ADEX Finalize Agreement

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) have finalized an agreement to license the ADA’s Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DLOSCE) for incorporation into the ADEX Dental Examination.  Please visit the ADA Press Page for more information on the new agreement.

The DLOSCE is currently in its retake window, and no additional administrations are planned. All future administrations will be conducted through ADEX.

For more information, please visit the ADEX website.   

About the DLOSCE

The Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination is a high-stakes licensure examination requiring candidates to use their clinical skills to successfully complete one or more dental problem-solving tasks. The examination is designed to provide information to U.S. dental boards seeking to determine whether licensure candidates have the necessary level of clinical skills to safely practice entry-level dentistry. The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) is the governing body for the DLOSCE, working in collaboration with the Department of Testing Services (DTS). Candidates take the examination at test centers operated by Prometric, an official vendor of the JCNDE and the DTS.

The DLOSCE is accepted in eight states (see below) as fulfilling all or part of the written examination requirements for licensure. Please refer to each state board’s website for specific details, clarifications, and updated policies.

For detailed information about the examination, download the DLOSCE Candidate Guide below.

Get the DLOSCE Candidate Guide (PDF)

 

DLOSCE Candidate Guide (PDF)
Find detailed information on all aspects of the examination.
Examination preparation tools
Get ready for the DLOSCE. Review practice questions and more.
Apply for the DLOSCE
Take the first step in scheduling your examination.
DLOSCE Fact Sheet (PDF)
Get a quick and comprehensive overview of the DLOSCE.
Get your exam results
View your DLOSCE exam results, review scoring information or request an audit.
Image Portal
Learn about image requirements and how to access and submit images.
Recent Updates
Download and check recent and forthcoming updates often as you prepare for your examination.
ADEA Poster Presentation (PDF)
Review DLOSCE and DHLOSCE information to be presented at the ADEA conference in March.

DLOSCE Resources

Create or manage your DENTPIN

To take your examination, you will need a unique personal identification number (DENTPIN). If you have already applied for or taken another dental exam, you may already have a DENTPIN. Sign in here to retrieve an existing DENTPIN, create a new DENTPIN, or to modify the information linked to your DENTPIN.

Steps to take before scheduling your examination

You will take the DLOSCE at a testing center operated by Prometric, an approved partner of JCNDE and the Department of Testing Services. Before scheduling your test appointment, you must:

  • Review the DLOSCE Candidate Guide, with special focus on eligibility requirements, rules of conduct, examination regulations and the testing center procedures.

View the guide (PDF)

  • Submit an application to the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).

Apply now 

  • If you are attending a dental school that is not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), complete and submit the Certification of Eligibility, which requires a signature from the dean or registrar of your school.

View DLOSCE Certification of Eligibility (PDF)

  • Receive an eligibility email from the JCNDE confirming that you are ready to schedule your exam.
 
Scheduling your examination date

Once you have received a confirmation email from the JCNDE, you’re ready to choose your examination date. Review current COVID-19 test center procedures on the Prometric website.

Select a date and time by contacting Prometric directly via the link below. Your appointment should be scheduled 60 to 90 days before your desired test date.

On the left-hand side of the page, select “Schedule,” then supply your preferred state to find a test center. Enter your DENTPIN as your eligibility ID. Then choose the DLOSCE option.

Select your test date

Rescheduling or canceling your examination date

If you need to cancel or reschedule your test date, contact Prometric directly via the link below. You must make your request at least 24 hours ahead of your scheduled testing appointment. You will pay a fee directly to Prometric, based on the schedule shown here. Please note that leaving a message for the local Prometric test center is not sufficient, since they cannot schedule, reschedule or cancel your appointment.

Contact Prometric

EMERGENCY CANCELLATIONS: If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment due to sudden illness or death in your immediate family, contact the Department of Testing Services by emailing testingproblems@ada.org or calling 800.232.1694.

 

If you cancel or reschedule Your fee will be
30 or more days before test date $50
5-29 days before scheduled test date $70
1-4 days before scheduled test date $150
 If you fail to appear for a scheduled testing appointment OR arrive 30 minutes after the scheduled start time and are refused admission Full testing fee will be forfeited

 

 



Concerns about test day issues or conditions
After taking the examination, If you have concerns about scheduling issues, exam conditions or any unresolved problems, inform the Prometric test administrator before leaving the test center.
Get your National Board certificate

If you have successfully completed the DLOSCE and want to purchase a National Board certificate, log in with your DENTPIN and password below.

Purchase certificate


Request an audit of your examination results

You can request an audit of your examination results within 30 days of the date on your official DLOSCE results document. A $65 fee applies. Audit results are available within four to six weeks. To request an audit, log in with your DENTPIN and password.

Request audit


Additional Information

Licensing Jurisdictions that accept the DLOSCE

The Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DLOSCE) is now accepted in the following states in full or partial fulfillment of clinical examination requirements for licensure. Please refer to each state board’s website for specific details, clarifications, and updated policies.

Alaska*

Arizona

Colorado

Indiana

Iowa*

Kentucky

Oregon

Washington

*Partial fulfillment of state’s clinical licensure examination requirement, in conjunction with a hands-on assessment. Please see the state dental board for additional details. 


New in 2025: Pricing Bundle for Testing Administrations
The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) is pleased to announce a 2025 pricing bundle package for dental examinations to help reduce examination costs for candidates. For more information, download the Pricing Bundle for Testing Administrations (PDF).
Fall 2024 Webinar Recording: Dental Examinations
A webinar on the JCNDE Dental examination programs: The INBDE and the DLOSCE was held on October 3, 2024. Dr. Waldschmidt presented information for examination users, academic programs, and faculty. A recording of this informational webinar is now available on demand. Viewers must register to watch the webinar recording. The Dental examination program slide presentation (PDF) is also available for download.
History and development of the DLOSCE

For a complete history of the DLOSCE, along with details on the exam’s purpose and content and information on the value of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations, visit this page.

DLOSCE history

Key features and differences between the DLOSCE and INBDE

To understand key features and differences between the DLOSCE and the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), please download the following document.

View the DLOSCE and INBDE - A Powerful Combination (PDF)

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Volunteer as a test constructor

Lend your talents to future applicants. The Department of Testing Services needs volunteer subject matter experts to assist with test construction. Volunteers may also earn CE credit.

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