The Australian Dental Council (ADC) has announced an important update to its Practical Examination that will impact candidates preparing for registration as dentists in Australia. Effective from Period 2, 2026, the amalgam placement task will be removed from the ADC Practical Examination, reflecting global changes in dental practice and clinical standards. The Australian Dental Council
This update is part of the ADC’s broader commitment to aligning its assessments with contemporary dental practice and international best practice standards while maintaining a robust evaluation of clinical competence. Understanding this change is key for candidates planning their exam preparation strategy in 2025 and beyond.
From Period 2, 2026, the Practical Examination will no longer include the amalgam placement task as part of the technical assessment. This reflects ongoing global trends, such as those outlined in the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which encourages reduced use of dental amalgam due to environmental and health considerations. The Australian Dental Council
While dental amalgam has historically been a core component of dental training and was included in ADC assessments due to its role in demonstrating manual dexterity and material handling, the ADC is updating the exam to focus on clinical skills more aligned with contemporary restorative materials and practice. All other components of the Practical Examination will continue unless further updates are announced. The Australian Dental Council
Although amalgam is being removed from the task list, the practical exam will otherwise maintain its structure and objectives. According to the ADC, the Practical Examination remains the final stage in the assessment process that evaluates clinical competence in real-world tasks. The Australian Dental Council
The Practical Examination is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to demonstrate the core competencies expected of a newly qualified dentist, integrating both technical skills and clinical decision-making over a two-day examination. These include preparing and restoring teeth, assessing patient scenarios, and performing clinical procedures that reflect daily dental practice in Australia. The Australian Dental Council
Starting alongside the removal of the amalgam task in Period 2, 2026, the ADC will also introduce higher-performance simulation teeth in the Technical Skills component of the Practical Examination. These new “Platinum range” teeth are engineered for improved tactile feedback, more realistic cutting response, and enhanced aesthetics, giving candidates a testing experience that better mirrors real clinical scenarios. The Australian Dental Council
These changes are designed to support meaningful clinical assessment while encouraging candidates to practice restorative skills in modern materials frequently used in contemporary dentistry.
Today’s dental practice commonly uses alternative restorative materials such as resin composites, glass ionomers, and other adhesive technologies that better align with current clinical standards and patient expectations. By removing the amalgam task, the ADC’s Practical Examination reflects the evolving practice landscape and prepares candidates for real-world practice. The Australian Dental Council
With the amalgam task removed, candidates can focus their preparation on clinical skills and restorative techniques that are more relevant to contemporary dental practice, including advanced preparation and restoration tasks using materials candidates are more likely to encounter in everyday clinical settings.
Many dental education programs worldwide have already reduced emphasis on amalgam restoration in favour of adhesive and preventive dentistry. This change aligns the ADC assessment more closely with global dental curricula, helping make the exam more consistent with international training. The Australian Dental Council
Candidates planning to sit the Practical Examination from Period 2, 2026 onwards should focus on:
Strengthening clinical reasoning and decision-making skills
Practising restorative procedures with contemporary materials
Understanding patient-focused clinical scenarios
Familiarising themselves with the new simulation tooth models used in technical tasks
While the amalgam task is no longer required, the core competencies and breadth of skills assessed remain robust and comprehensive.
For full details on the Practical Examination format, eligibility, and application periods, see the ADC’s practical exam overview on their official site. The Australian Dental Council
The removal of the amalgam placement task from the ADC Practical Examination reflects broader changes in dental practice, environmental considerations, and the ADC’s commitment to modernised assessment. Candidates preparing for exams in and beyond 2026 should adapt their focus to the core clinical skills and updated examination materials that remain integral to the pathway toward dental registration in Australia.