2026 ADC Practical Exam for Stage 2 Applications Are Open: What You Need to Know

If you’re preparing for the Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practical Examination in 2026, there’s an important update you won’t want to miss.

The official 2026 Period 2 General Dentistry Practical Examination application period stages have now been released by the ADC — meaning candidates can submit applications in designated windows. This announcement has just been published on the official ADC website.

🗓️ What’s New: Period 2 Practical Exam Application Windows

The 2026 Period 2 Practical Examination is open for applications in two stages — a system designed to help candidates with different exam eligibility timelines apply fairly:

🔹 Stage 1:

📅 11 – 22 February 2026

Open to candidates who:

• Do not have a Practical Examination already booked in Period 1 (January–May 2026)
• Have a valid Initial Assessment expiring between 6 May 2026 – 23 August 2026 and/or
• Have a valid Written Examination expiring before 23 August 2026

🔹 Stage 2:

📅 16 – 22 February 2026

Open to candidates who:

• Do not have a Practical Examination already booked in Period 1
• Have a valid Initial Assessment expiring after 23 August 2026 and/or
• Have a valid Written Examination that expires after 23 August 2026

Both stages are done via ADC Connect, and as soon as your stage opens, you’ll receive an email from ADC advising that you can submit your application online.

🧑‍🔬 Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To be eligible for the Period 2 Clinical Applications, candidates must:

✔️ Have a valid Initial Assessment that covers the planned exam dates
✔️ Have a valid Written Examination that isn’t expired by exam day
✔️ Have not already been booked or scheduled for a practical exam in the previous period

If you meet these criteria, you’ll be able to apply in the appropriate stage window above.

📌 Waitlist Opportunity: Don’t Lose Your Chance

Even after application windows close, space may still open up. The ADC operates a waitlist system that allows candidates to enter their names after the deadline — meaning you could still get a spot if other candidates withdraw.

Important facts about the waitlist:

• Places are offered on availability and eligibility priority
• Not all candidates on the waitlist will be offered a seat
• If a seat opens at short notice, you’re free to accept or decline
• You must still have a valid Initial and Written Assessment to remain eligible

🧠 What Happens After You Apply

Once your application is submitted:
✔️ ADC will confirm receipt via email
✔️ Your ADC Connect profile will update with status
✔️ A date selection window will open if your application is successful
✔️ You will receive details of your allocated exam schedule before exam day. Requirements and the format for the Practical Examination itself can be found in ADC documents.

The ADC Practical Exam is a simulation-based clinical exam assessing competency in skills including patient care, clinical information gathering, and treatment planning.

🗓️ Why This Matters for Your 2026 ADC Journey

The Practical Examination is one of the final steps in the ADC assessment pathway after you’ve passed the written exam. Without securing a place and successfully completing this assessment, you cannot proceed to dental registration in Australia.

📌 Tip: Since application windows are limited and seats fill up quickly, apply within your stage as soon as possible and prepare continuously as you wait for allocation.

🎯 Ready to Secure Your Practical Exam Spot?

⏰ Don’t miss your chance — apply during the Stage 1 or Stage 2 window now via ADC Connect and keep your Australian dental journey moving forward.

📣 Enroll with us now to get Structured Practical Exam strategies, exam-focused training, and support to maximize your chances of success in 2026!