However, the ADC has published a resource list, which can be used as a guide in preparing for the written and practical examinations. The Resource List is available on the ADC website.
Apart from these textbooks, successful passing of the ADC exam also requires you to be well versed with the contents of other important books. Five of these important books are:
1. Therapeutic guidelines (TG)
This book is considered essential, high-priority resource for the ADC written and practical examinations. It provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on the best practices for the clinical management of dental and medical conditions. These guidelines are essential for understanding the therapeutic approaches and protocols followed in Australia. The updated guidelines, Version 4 (September 2025) will come into effect for Written Examinations March 2026 and from period 2, 2026 of the Practical Examinations.
2. Odell's Clinical Problem Solving in Dentistry
This is an excellent step-by-step guide to practical care planning and management of a wide variety of clinical case scenarios encountered in the dental care setting which helps improve your diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills. It integrates material from all the dental disciplines in order to cover an extensive range of clinical problems which will be encountered in daily practice. The practical approach here helps in developing critical thinking and applying theoretical knowledge to clinical scenarios, which is crucial for the ADC exam.
3. Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control
This is a key resource that describes the infection prevention and control procedures that dental practitioners and their clinical support staff are expected to follow, to maintain a safe and hygienic environment in a dental practice. These guidelines outline the procedures of sterilization, disinfection and prevention of cross-infection, which are of great importance in the Australian healthcare setting.Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control, Fifth Edition, 2024, is the new update that can be referred for ADC Exams.
4. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) Trauma Guidelines
The International Association of Dental Traumatology provides the golden standard for managing dental trauma, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for traumatic dental injuries, the knowledge of which is very critical for the ADC exam. These protocols help effective handling of emergency situations and ways to provide optimal care for patients with dental trauma. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) 2020 guidelines are presently used for the ADC exams.
5. Code of Conduct
This outlines the expected conduct of all ADC staff, Board Members and Committee Members and how the ADC can support them in meeting these expectations. It is a framework by which conduct can be assessed and provides guidance on actions that the ADC may take if conduct falls short of expected behaviour. It sets an ethical and professional standard which are to be followed by the dental practitioners in Australia. Thus, knowing the Code of Conduct is essential not only for passing the ADC exam but also important for legally practicing as a dentist in Australia.
Also, reading through journals keep you updated on the latest research and developments in dentistry, which can be very useful for your ADC exam preparation. Some of the journals that can be of benefit for your exam preparation are Australian Dental Journal, British Dental Journal, International Dental Journal, Journal of the American Dental Association, Journal of Dentistry and Operative Dentistry.
Cracking the ADC exam, requires you to have a strong grasp of dental concepts, clinical skills, and exam strategies. Your ADC exam preparation will be a breeze, if you utilize the right books and resources efficiently and you have proper guidance, covering all the key areas tested in the exam. The Guidance course at Zeal Academy helps you do just that!
