SLE (SDLE) Endodontics Exam 2026: Eligibility & MCQs

SLE (SDLE) Endodontics Exam Quick Summary

The Saudi Licensing Exam (SDLE) Endodontics specialty exam covers pulp and periapical disease, endodontic emergencies, root canal treatment, endodontic surgery, and dental trauma, with 200 MCQs split across two 100-question papers, 4 hours total testing time, and a passing score in the 65-70% range.

SDLE (Saudi Licensing Exam) Endodontics Specialty Exam

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) administers this specialty exam, part of the Saudi Dental Licensure Examination (SDLE) framework, to assess a dentist's knowledge and clinical judgment in the diagnosis and management of dental pulp and periapical conditions, including root canal therapy, endodontic emergencies, and related surgical procedures. It is required for endodontists applying for an SCFHS professional classification and license to practice in Saudi Arabia.

Eligibility criteria for the SLE (SDLE) Endodontics exam

To apply for the SDLE Endodontics specialist exam, candidates are generally expected to meet the following:

Primary dental degree: A recognized Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), or equivalent qualification from an accredited institution.

Specialization in Endodontics: Completion of a Master's, Diploma, or equivalent postgraduate qualification specifically in Endodontics from a recognized institution.

Post-qualification clinical experience: Generally at least 2 years of clinical practice in endodontics after completing your specialization -- notably shorter than the roughly 3-year requirement used by some other Gulf authorities for the same specialty, though your own exact requirement should be confirmed directly with SCFHS.

Valid license & Good Standing Certificate: An active license to practice in your home country (or country of last employment), plus a Certificate of Good Standing typically valid within the last 6 months.

DataFlow Primary Source Verification & Mumaris Plus registration: All educational, professional, and licensing documents verified through DataFlow, plus an active registration with a valid eligibility number on SCFHS's Mumaris Plus portal before booking your exam.

Confirm your own eligibility status directly with SCFHS rather than assuming a general figure applies to you.

SLE (SDLE) Endodontics exam exemption criteria

Possible exam exemption

SCFHS grants SDLE exemptions to holders of recognized postgraduate fellowships and board certifications, including FDSRCS (all faculties), American board certifications in dental specialties, the Australian FRACDS, and the Canadian FRCD. Exemption is never automatic, however -- verify your own exemption status directly with SCFHS before planning your application timeline around it.

SLE (SDLE) Endodontics exam syllabus

The exam draws from 14 core subject areas:

Dental pulp and periapical tissues
Endodontic pain and emergencies
Endodontics in relation to other dental specialties
Cleaning and shaping procedures
Retreatment of failed endodontic cases
Surgical endodontics
Traumatic dental injuries
Regenerative endodontic procedures
Vital pulp therapy
Treatment outcomes
Radiology relevant to endodontics
Management of medically compromised patients
Basic sciences relevant to endodontics
Classic endodontic literature

Topic-by-topic weightage isn't separately published for this specialty, so treat all areas as reasonably even priorities rather than assuming any single topic dominates. Most questions are single-best-answer clinical scenarios.

SLE (SDLE) Endodontics study material & questions

Official past papers aren't released publicly, but our Qbank compiles recall-based questions from actual test takers, reviewed by expert doctors.

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SLE (SDLE) Endodontics exam format

200

MCQs (2x100)

4 hours

Time allowed

65-70%

Passing score

The exam is split into two 100-question papers, each with roughly 2 hours to complete, typically separated by a break. Note that the exact question count, duration, and passing threshold differ from DHA (150 MCQs/3 hours/70%) and DOH (150 MCQs/2.5 hours/60%) versions of the same specialty exam -- always confirm the SDLE-specific figures directly with SCFHS.

Preparation tips for the SLE (SDLE) Endodontics exam

Master pulp diagnosis

Be precise on reversible vs. irreversible pulpitis, and pulpal vs. periapical diagnoses -- a heavily tested area.

Drill radiograph interpretation

Practice reading working-length, obturation quality, and root canal morphology on radiographs.

Know trauma protocols

Review avulsion, luxation, and root fracture management timelines -- a recurring high-yield topic.

Pace yourself across both papers

With 100 questions per paper across 4 hours total, build that pace into your practice sessions and use any break between papers to reset.

Sample Practice MCQs

Test your knowledge with these original clinical scenario-style questions. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

> Question 1: Pulp Diagnosis

A patient reports sharp pain to cold that lingers for over a minute after the stimulus is removed, with no spontaneous pain. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer: Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Explanation: Lingering pain to cold beyond a few seconds is the classic feature distinguishing irreversible from reversible pulpitis, which typically resolves within seconds of stimulus removal.

> Question 2: Regenerative Endodontics

A permanent maxillary central incisor with an open apex requires root canal treatment. Which material is preferred to create an apical barrier?

Answer: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

Explanation: MTA is the preferred material for apexification/apical barrier formation in immature permanent teeth due to its biocompatibility and reliable seal, largely replacing long-term calcium hydroxide apexification.

> Question 3: Traumatic Dental Injuries

A permanent tooth is avulsed and reimplanted within 30 minutes with the periodontal ligament kept viable. What is the recommended splinting duration?

Answer: A flexible splint for 2 weeks.

Explanation: Current trauma guidelines (IADT) recommend a short-duration flexible splint (about 2 weeks) after reimplantation with a viable periodontal ligament, to allow physiological healing rather than ankylosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

> What does the SLE (SDLE) Endodontics exam cover?

It covers dental pulp and periapical tissues, endodontic pain and emergencies, cleaning and shaping, retreatment, surgical endodontics, traumatic dental injuries, regenerative endodontic procedures, vital pulp therapy, treatment outcomes, radiology, management of medically compromised patients, basic sciences, and classic endodontic literature.

> How many questions are in the SLE (SDLE) Endodontics exam?

200 multiple-choice questions, split across two 100-question papers, with 4 hours total to complete both.

> What is the passing score for the SLE (SDLE) Endodontics exam?

Sources place the passing score in the 65-70% range. Note this differs from DHA (70%) and DOH (60%) versions of the same specialty exam, so don't assume figures from another Gulf authority apply to SDLE.

> Can endodontists be exempted from the SDLE?

Possibly. SCFHS grants exemptions to holders of recognized fellowships such as FDSRCS, American board certifications in dental specialties, the Australian FRACDS, or the Canadian FRCD -- but exemption is never automatic and must be verified directly with SCFHS.

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