From the Guidelines
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) specialist exam in Prosthodontics requires a comprehensive understanding of dental prosthetics and oral rehabilitation, with a focus on key areas such as complete and partial denture fabrication, fixed prosthodontics, implant prosthodontics, maxillofacial prosthetics, and occlusion principles. To prepare for the exam, candidates should thoroughly understand impression materials and techniques, with particular emphasis on elastomeric materials like polyvinyl siloxane and polyether, as well as knowledge of dental ceramics, including zirconia, lithium disilicate, and porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations 1. The exam often tests understanding of occlusal concepts such as centric relation, maximum intercuspation, and articulators, and implant prosthodontics questions frequently cover treatment planning, implant components, loading protocols, and prosthetic options, as seen in the case of implant placement post extraction in esthetic single tooth sites 1. Candidates should be well-versed in temporomandibular disorders, their diagnosis and management approaches, and clinical scenarios involving complex rehabilitations, including full mouth reconstruction cases and management of worn dentition, are commonly presented, highlighting the importance of a thorough understanding of dental materials science, including physical properties, biocompatibility, and clinical applications of various materials used in prosthodontic treatments 1. Some key points to focus on include:
- Impression materials and techniques
- Dental ceramics, including zirconia, lithium disilicate, and porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations
- Occlusal concepts, such as centric relation, maximum intercuspation, and articulators
- Implant prosthodontics, including treatment planning, implant components, loading protocols, and prosthetic options
- Temporomandibular disorders, their diagnosis and management approaches
- Clinical scenarios involving complex rehabilitations, including full mouth reconstruction cases and management of worn dentition
- Dental materials science, including physical properties, biocompatibility, and clinical applications of various materials used in prosthodontic treatments. It is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and recommendations, such as those related to the prevention and management of osteoradionecrosis in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation therapy 1. By focusing on these key areas and staying current with the latest research and guidelines, candidates can ensure they are well-prepared for the DHA specialist exam in Prosthodontics.
From the Research
Prosthodontics Specialist Exam Questions
- The key concepts in treatment planning for restorative implantology include:
- Review of past medical history
- Oral examination and occlusion
- Dental imaging (e.g., cone-beam computed tomography)
- Fixed versus removable prosthodontics 2
- Prosthodontic treatment planning involves considering various factors, including:
- Evidence-based systematic reviews
- Advice from experienced dental professionals
- Long-term success of endodontics, periodontics, and implant dentistry 3
- Recent trends in prosthodontics have shifted towards:
- Implants and implant-supported prosthesis for replacing missing teeth
- New materials such as zirconium, titanium, and flexible dentures 4
- When comparing implants to short-span fixed bridges, consider:
- Survival rates
- Complications
- Patient benefits
- Economic aspects, including initial costs and long-term financial comparisons 5
- Note that not all studies are directly relevant to prosthodontics, such as the study on the primary structure of the Bence-Jones protein Kue 6