ADEX Exam Updates 2026 | Critical Restorative Changes!

In this video, Dr. Nasiry breaks down the major ADEX Dental Board exam updates for candidates testing between January and July 2026, with a special focus on important restorative section changes that could directly impact your exam outcome. While perio, endo, and prosthodontics remain largely unchanged, restorative timing, sequencing, pulp management, and diagnosis rules have been significantly updated. Understanding these changes ahead of time is essential to avoid costly mistakes on exam day. Key Takeaways: 1. New Restorative Exam Order & Timing The anterior restoration must now be completed first, followed by the posterior. Time is split: 3 hours for anterior, 3.5 hours for posterior, with no carryover between sections. You must fully complete the anterior before moving on. 2. Major Change: No More Indirect Pulp Caps Indirect pulp caps have been completely removed from the exam. If you encounter a direct pulp exposure, you must stop immediately and report it electronically. You will not place a pulp cap—you simply identify and report the exposure. 3. Understanding the Plastic Tooth & Pulp Location Dr. Nasiry explains the difference between enamel plastic, dentin plastic, and the waxy pulp core. Small bubbles between plastics are not pulp exposures—misdiagnosing this can result in a fail. The pulp is typically 3.5–4 mm from the cavosurface margin. 4. Lesion Diagnosis Rule Changes You now have only two attempts to correctly diagnose the lesion location (soon dropping to one). First incorrect diagnosis = 15-point deduction Second incorrect diagnosis = 100% deduction (automatic fail) 5. Electronic Communication System (Tablet-Based) All requests (pulp exposure, caries removal, extensions) must now be submitted electronically. Paper forms are still used for notes, but official submissions are digital. What’s Coming Next These rules apply January 1 – July 31, 2026. Additional changes start August 1, 2026, and Dr. Nasiry will release follow-up videos covering those updates. This video is part of @adexacademy ongoing exam update series, designed to help you stay ahead of rule changes and walk into the ADEX exam fully prepared. 🦷 Preparing for Your ADEX Exam? 🦷 Click here to access our Free ADEX Exam Training: 👉 https://adexacademy.com/training