As you prepare to take one of the most significant exams of your professional life, knowing exactly what is allowed—and what is not—inside the test centre is essential for your success. For many candidates, the rules and regulations surrounding what can be brought into the exam space can be a source of anxiety and confusion. This blog aims to provide a thorough, detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about permissible items inside the test centre for a dental licensing or competency exam.
Whether you’re preparing for a clinical, theoretical, or practical component of the examination, the items you’re allowed to bring can significantly impact your performance, comfort, and confidence. Some items are mandatory, others optional, and a few are strictly prohibited. By understanding these categories in detail, you can arrive at the test centre fully prepared and completely focused.
Why This Information Is Crucial
Dental examinations are conducted under highly standardized and secure environments. Every detail, from what you wear to what you carry, is governed by strict protocols to ensure fairness, prevent malpractice, and maintain exam integrity. Bringing the wrong item—or forgetting a required one—can cause delays, result in penalties, or even prevent you from completing the exam.
Having a detailed understanding of what is permitted inside the exam centre allows you to:
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Avoid last-minute confusion or panic
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Pass security and check-in quickly
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Be physically and mentally comfortable during the exam
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Focus entirely on showcasing your clinical and theoretical knowledge
Categories of Items You May Bring to the Test Centre
Let’s explore what you can—and cannot—bring into the test centre. The following categories are typically used by examination authorities to classify permitted materials.
1. Required Identification Documents
Identification is the first step of the check-in process. Without proper documentation, you will not be allowed to sit for the exam, regardless of your preparation level.
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Government-issued Photo ID: This could be a passport, driver’s license, or national identity card. It must be valid, original (not a photocopy), and unexpired.
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Candidate Admission Ticket or Authorization Letter: Most exams require that you bring a printed copy of your test appointment confirmation or authorization letter issued during registration.
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Secondary ID (if required): Some exam boards ask for a secondary form of identification like a student ID or a credit card with your name and signature.
All documents should match the name exactly as registered for the exam. Discrepancies can result in denied entry.
2. Approved Personal Items
These are personal items allowed inside the test room or clinical floor, depending on the examination type.
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Eyeglasses (non-smart): Only traditional eyewear is allowed. Smart glasses or devices with built-in cameras or microphones are strictly forbidden.
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Wristwatch or Timer (if permitted): Some centres allow analog watches without smart capabilities. However, many do not allow any timing devices and rely on wall clocks or digital timers.
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Silent, Non-electronic water bottle: In some cases, you are allowed to bring a clear water bottle. Check in advance with your exam provider for hydration rules.
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Comfort items: If you have a medical condition requiring specific items (e.g., lumbar support cushion, insulin monitor, medication), prior approval must be obtained with documentation.
3. Clinical Exam Supplies (for hands-on or manikin-based exams)
In clinical-based exams, you are typically allowed—and required—to bring a variety of supplies and instruments. These items are checked before entry into the operatory or simulation area.
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Sterilized dental instruments: Mouth mirror, explorer, periodontal probe, and other tools required for specific procedures.
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Rotary instruments and burs: Pre-selected burs compatible with provided handpieces.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Face mask, gloves, protective eyewear, surgical gown or coat, head cover, and closed-toe clinical footwear.
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Consumables: Gauze, cotton rolls, wedges, matrices, etchants, bonding agents, and similar items as required for your procedure.
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Restorative materials: Composite, amalgam (if permitted), curing lights, finishing kits, and accessories.
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Rubber dam kit: Includes punch, frame, forceps, clamps, and dam sheets.
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Typodont or simulation head (if required): Properly mounted and labeled.
Ensure all clinical items are pre-approved and meet the exam board’s published standards. Items that are deemed inappropriate or non-compliant may be confiscated or disallowed.
4. Stationery and Administrative Materials
These items may or may not be required depending on whether the test involves written components.
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Pens, pencils, erasers: Non-mechanical writing tools are typically allowed. Mechanical pencils and highlighters may be restricted.
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Highlighters or markers: Only allowed if explicitly mentioned in the exam instructions.
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Clipboard or paper folder: Some exams allow a clipboard for writing support. It must not contain any printed material.
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Notepad (provided or approved): In computer-based exams, rough sheets are often provided on-site and must be returned afterward.
Avoid bringing any printed materials, handwritten notes, or study guides, unless they are part of a pre-approved list.
5. Additional Optional Items
These may be permitted based on the test centre’s policies and the nature of the exam.
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Earplugs: Non-electronic earplugs are sometimes permitted to help reduce noise distractions in computer-based exam rooms.
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Sweater or jacket: Examination rooms can sometimes be overly air-conditioned. A simple sweater with no pockets or hoods is usually allowed.
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Lunch or snacks: For longer clinical sessions or breaks, candidates may store meals in a designated area outside the exam room.
Always ask in advance or consult the candidate handbook to verify if these items can be brought in.
Items Typically Prohibited Inside the Exam Room
To maintain integrity and fairness, several items are universally prohibited.
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Mobile phones, tablets, or any electronic devices
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Smartwatches, fitness trackers, or any wearable technology
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Bags, purses, or backpacks (must be stored in a locker if provided)
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Reference books, notes, or study materials
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Headphones or Bluetooth-enabled devices
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Food and beverages inside the testing area (unless pre-approved for medical reasons)
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Any device with a camera, audio recorder, or connectivity feature
Violation of these rules can result in immediate disqualification, invalidation of your exam results, and possible future bans.
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