ADC Part 1 Oral Surgery: High-Yield Topics, Example Questions & Study Tips
Oral Surgery carries roughly 15% of the ADC Part 1 written exam - ≈42 of 280 questions. Below: the high-yield topics to master, the classic traps that cost candidates marks, an ADC-style example question, and how to study this subject efficiently.
High-yield topics for Oral Surgery
| Topic | What to focus on |
|---|---|
| Extraction complications | dry socket (alveolar osteitis), bleeding management, OAC/OAF, root displacement into the sinus |
| Impacted third molars | Winter's/Pell & Gregory classifications, indications for removal, IAN risk signs on radiographs |
| Local anaesthesia | maximum doses, IANB technique and failure causes, lidocaine vs articaine, toxicity presentation |
| Medically compromised patients | anticoagulants (when NOT to stop), bisphosphonates/MRONJ risk, diabetes and infection |
| Odontogenic infections | fascial space spread, Ludwig's angina red flags, when antibiotics are (and aren't) indicated |
| Trauma & fractures | mandibular fracture patterns, favourable vs unfavourable, initial management |
| Cysts & lesions of surgical relevance | radicular vs dentigerous vs OKC - radiographic discrimination |
Common areas candidates struggle with
- MRONJ risk stratification - knowing which patients on bisphosphonates need referral vs can be managed in general practice
- IAN proximity radiographic signs - the 7 classic Rood & Shehab findings and what each means clinically
- Anticoagulant management - current Australian guidance almost never stops warfarin/DOACs for a simple extraction
- LA maximum dose calculations under time pressure, especially in paediatric weight-based dosing
- Deciding when odontogenic infection needs urgent hospital referral vs oral antibiotics + drainage in practice
Classic exam traps
- Prescribing antibiotics for dry socket - it's inflammatory, not infective; management is irrigation + dressing + analgesia
- Stopping warfarin/DOACs for simple extractions - current practice is usually to continue with local haemostatic measures
- Confusing maximum LA doses when combining agents or calculating for children by weight
- Missing the 'radiographic signs of IAN proximity' question - darkening of the root, deflected canal, loss of lamina dura
Example ADC-style question
Question
A 32-year-old presents 3 days after a lower right first molar extraction with severe throbbing pain, foul taste and empty socket on examination. Temperature is normal. What is the most appropriate management?
- Prescribe oral amoxicillin 500 mg TDS for 5 days
- Irrigate the socket, place a medicated dressing (e.g. Alvogyl) and provide analgesia
- Explore the socket surgically for a retained root
- Refer urgently to hospital for IV antibiotics
Answer: B
This is classic dry socket (alveolar osteitis) - inflammatory, not infective. Antibiotics are not indicated. Management is socket irrigation, a soothing/medicated dressing, and effective analgesia. Referral or antibiotics only if signs of spreading infection develop.
This is one worked example. There are hundreds more scenario-based oral surgery MCQs inside the PassADC question bank - with per-option explanations on the ones that matter most.
Key concepts to revise
- Dry socket vs infected socket - features that discriminate
- IAN proximity radiographic signs (7 classic findings)
- Anticoagulant management for extractions - when to continue, when to check INR, DOAC timing
- MRONJ risk categories and referral thresholds
- Maximum LA doses (lidocaine, articaine, prilocaine) by weight
- Ludwig's angina red flags - airway signs, urgent referral criteria
- OAC recognition and immediate management steps
- Impacted third molar classifications (Winter, Pell & Gregory)
How to study Oral Surgery for the ADC Part 1
- This subject alone is worth more than Paeds + Community combined - if you're weak here, start here
- Learn complications as 'presentation → first step' pairs; the exam almost always asks for the NEXT best step
- Drill LA dose calculations until they take you under 30 seconds
How to test your readiness in Oral Surgery
The exam tests this subject through clinical vignettes, so practise it the same way - scenario-based MCQs with explanations, not isolated fact recall. The fastest way to know whether oral surgery is a strength or a gap is to take a diagnostic across all 10 subjects and compare your accuracy in this subject against the exam weighting.
Once you know where you stand, target the weak areas above with daily practice, review every wrong answer's explanation the same day, and sit at least two full-length timed mocks before booking the real exam.
Want to see whether oral surgery is actually one of your weak areas?
6 ADC-style questions across the top subjects. Free, instant, no credit card.
Check my ADC readinessRelated ADC Part 1 resources
Start with the ADC Part 1 preparation hub, plan the next 8 weeks with the study guide, or drill more oral surgery MCQs in the question bank. Also see the full ADC Part 1 exam format guide and how to pass ADC Part 1.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-yield topic in ADC Part 1 Oral Surgery?
Extraction complications and medically-compromised patient management are the most examined. Dry socket, bleeding management, anticoagulant handling and MRONJ risk stratification appear on almost every paper.
Should warfarin be stopped before dental extraction for the ADC exam?
Current Australian practice (and the exam-correct answer) is usually no - extractions are performed with the INR within therapeutic range using local haemostatic measures. Stopping warfarin risks thromboembolism.
How do I remember maximum LA doses for the ADC exam?
Learn the mg/kg limits (e.g. lidocaine 4.4 mg/kg with adrenaline, up to 300 mg adult max) and drill weight-based calculations for paediatric patients until they take under 30 seconds.
What percentage of ADC Part 1 is Oral Surgery?
Approximately 15% - roughly 42 of 280 questions. It's the single heaviest-weighted subject, so weakness here disproportionately damages your overall score.
Where do you actually stand?
30 questions weighted to the official ADC blueprint. Free, instant, no credit card.
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PassADC is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Australian Dental Council. Exam details change - always confirm current format and fees at adc.org.au.