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Photo courtesy -@indykadeer
Preparing for an OSCE
Most exams in the UK and also many other countries like Canada and Australia have this as a part of their licensure/conversion exams
This is also a common form or examination for undergraduates in most dental curriculums now.
Membership exams like MJDF and MFDS as well follow this pattern.
This is not an easy exam, as it tests the student at many levels mainly - core knowledge base, its application, communication skills, thinking on your toes, soft communication skills, patient management, handling of difficult situations, answering queries in a language the patient understands, a complete understanding of radiographic interpretation, prescriptions usage, the diagnosis from cast and radiographs - all of which are core to the safe practice of dentistry and an essential for GDP.
The exam consists of different stations (usually from 15-20 ) with each station examining the candidates' knowledge, interpersonal skills, communication, the ability to think on the toes, answer queries in a clear manner.
The stations could also have an actor - who would act either as a patient /patients parents/ a colleague and you will have to enact out certain scenarios as a dentist who is considerate, kind, can be in control of the situation. It could involve a medical emergency, explaining the treatment options and obtaining informed consent (treatment options, alternative treatment, advantages and disadvantages, the cost, the extent of the procedure, the pain relief, risks), explain a difficult situation - like a broken instrument to a patient, explaining radiographs taken of a full mouth.
There are a few options of how you can prepare for this part of the exam - which is usually a lot of acting out and learning to talk confidently with someone watching. Another method is by recording yourself do a scenario and then how you can improve.
The best way is to find a study partner and practice with each other. There is a lot of information and sample questions available on the net, I shall share a few here.
ORE 2 - Medical Emergency