DHA Specialist Orthodontics

Exam at a glance

Questions

150

Duration

180 minutes

Pass mark

60 %

Sections

1

Exam type

Written

Language

English

Authority

DHA

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 7 modules · 920 questions · Last updated: 29 October 2026

1. 01Growth & development140 questions · 15.2 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Principles of craniofacial growth: patterns, cartilages and theories
   • Growth of the cranial base, maxilla and mandible, and growth rotations
   • Timing growth: skeletal maturity, the pubertal spurt and adult growth
   • Development of the dentition and dental arches
   • Craniofacial syndromes, clefts and disturbances of growth
   • Foundations: Angle classification and cephalometric analysis
   • Foundations: tooth movement and orthodontic appliances
   • Foundations: facial growth and retention

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   Which structure is the classic example of a secondary cartilage in the craniofacial skeleton?

   ASpheno-occipital synchondrosisBNasal septal cartilageCSpheno-ethmoidal synchondrosisDMandibular condylar cartilage

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
2. 02Diagnosis180 questions · 19.6 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • The problem-oriented approach, clinical examination and records
   • Cephalometric analysis: skeletal and dental relationships
   • Space analysis, tooth size and characteristic malocclusion patterns
   • Treatment need and outcome indices, and putting the diagnosis together
   • Aetiology of malocclusion: genes, environment and local factors
   • Foundations: Angle classification and cephalometric analysis
   • Foundations: tooth movement and orthodontic appliances
   • Foundations: facial growth and retention

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   What are the normal Steiner values for SNA and SNB?

   A82° and 80°B78° and 82°C88° and 84°D76° and 72°

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
3. 03Biomechanics140 questions · 15.2 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Forces, moments and the centre of resistance
   • Biology of tooth movement and force magnitude
   • Wires, materials and friction
   • Force systems in practice and anchorage
   • Adverse effects of tooth movement: root resorption, pulp, periodontium, enamel and drugs
   • Foundations: Angle classification and cephalometric analysis
   • Foundations: tooth movement and orthodontic appliances
   • Foundations: facial growth and retention

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   What happens to the stiffness of a round wire if its diameter is doubled, all else equal?

   AIt doublesBIt increases sixteenfoldCIt increases eightfoldDIt increases fourfold

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
4. 04Appliances120 questions · 13 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Fixed appliances: brackets, prescriptions and torque
   • Removable appliances, space maintenance, expansion and anchorage devices
   • Class II growth modification: functional appliances and headgear
   • Class III protraction, miniscrews and clear aligners
   • Patient safety, ethics and professionalism in orthodontics
   • Foundations: Angle classification and cephalometric analysis
   • Foundations: tooth movement and orthodontic appliances
   • Foundations: facial growth and retention

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   Which clasp is typically used on a maxillary first permanent molar in a removable appliance?

   ASouthend claspBAdams (crib) claspCBall-ended claspDCircumferential clasp

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
5. 05Treatment160 questions · 17.4 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Interceptive and early treatment in the mixed dentition
   • Impacted canines and hypodontia
   • Camouflage, orthognathic surgery and distraction
   • Adult interdisciplinary care and cleft lip and palate
   • Special considerations: medical conditions, TMD, sleep apnoea and pregnancy

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   In which situation is serial extraction most indicated?

   AClass III malocclusion with generalised spacingBClass I severe crowding, normal skeletal patternCClass II division 2 with a deep overbiteDAnterior open bite with generalised spacing

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
6. 06Retention & stability120 questions · 13 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Why teeth relapse: the biology of stability and the case for long-term retention
   • Retainers: types, evidence, choice and maintenance
   • Retention tailored to the problem: rotations, spaces, vertical and sagittal corrections, adults and consent
   • Retention in special situations: expansion, implants, restorative work, clefts and surgery
   • Retainer failure, relapse management, retreatment and responsibility
   • Foundations: Angle classification and cephalometric analysis
   • Foundations: tooth movement and orthodontic appliances
   • Foundations: facial growth and retention
7. 07Patient safety & professionalism60 questions · 6.5 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Patient safety in orthodontic practice
   • Professionalism and ethics in orthodontics

What you get

• Question bank with a detailed explanation for every answer
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From registration to licence

The usual steps with DHA. Details can change; check the current rules with DHA before you register.

1. Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
2. Create an account with DHA and submit the application.
3. Receive the exam eligibility and book a date with the test centre.
4. Sit the exam. Results usually come within days.
5. After passing: complete licensing (for example primary source verification) and receive your licence.

Frequently asked questions