With the first 2026 Hong Kong Dental Licensing Examination (HKDLE) Part 2 and Part 3 approaching (27–31 July 2026), many candidates have entered the final stage of preparation.
So, with only two weeks remaining, what should you really focus on for Part 3?
What Does HKDLE Part 3 Assess?
According to the examination requirements published by the Dental Council of Hong Kong, Part 3 is conducted through Clinical Case Discussions and Viva Voce Examinations. Rather than testing memorised knowledge, it evaluates a candidate’s ability to apply clinical knowledge, analyse cases, and make sound clinical decisions.
During the examination, candidates are typically required to interpret patient history, clinical photographs, radiographs, and other relevant findings before discussing:
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnosis
- Treatment planning
- Clinical decision-making
- Related management questions
In other words, Part 3 closely reflects real clinical practice.
Examiners are not looking for rehearsed answers. They want to see whether candidates can think logically, justify their decisions, and communicate their clinical reasoning clearly.
What Kind of Questions Can Examiners Ask?
A single clinical case can be explored from many different perspectives.
For example, in an impacted third molar case, candidates may be asked:
- Would you request any additional investigations?
- Why have you chosen this treatment plan?
- What alternative treatment options are available?
- What complications should be discussed?
- How would you explain the risks to the patient?
- How would your management change if the patient had systemic medical conditions?
Although candidates may receive similar cases, every examiner may approach the discussion differently.
Therefore, success in Part 3 depends less on memorising cases and more on developing structured clinical reasoning and clear communication.
Three Priorities for the Final Two Weeks
1. Develop a Structured Case Analysis Framework
Instead of answering immediately, build a consistent approach to every case.
A useful sequence includes:
- Chief Complaint
- History
- Clinical Examination
- Radiographic Findings
- Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis
- Further Investigations
- Treatment Plan
- Risks and Prognosis
Having a structured thought process is far more valuable than trying to remember model answers.
2. Strengthen Your Radiographic Interpretation Skills
Many candidates understand the diagnosis but struggle to identify key findings quickly under examination pressure.
During the final weeks, practise interpreting a wide range of images, including:
- Impacted teeth
- Periapical lesions
- Periodontal bone loss
- Cysts and tumours
- Paediatric cases
- Orthodontic radiographs
Focus on developing a systematic method of observation and description.
3. Practise Speaking, Not Memorising
One of the defining features of Part 3 is the examiner’s follow-up questioning.
Many candidates know the theory but struggle to organise their thoughts during a viva.
Mock viva practice should therefore focus on:
- Presenting answers logically
- Explaining treatment decisions clearly
- Responding confidently to follow-up questions
- Maintaining clear communication under pressure
Zency Education HKDLE Part 3 Chinese & English Courses
Our HKDLE Part 3 courses are designed around the actual examination format, with emphasis on clinical reasoning, case discussion, treatment planning, and viva performance.
Courses are taught by Hong Kong registered dentists who have successfully completed the HKDLE and are familiar with the examination process.
Chinese Programme
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS)
- Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology & Prosthodontics Integrated Cases
- Paediatric Dentistry & Orthodontic Cases
- Mock Cases & Viva Training, including case presentation structure, examiner questioning strategies, clinical MCQ discussion, and communication skills.
English Programme
The English course includes:
- Six comprehensive OMFS clinical cases
- Integrated Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Prosthodontics cases
- Full Mock Case simulations
- Paediatric Dentistry with over 40 carefully selected radiographs
- Intensive training in Clinical Reasoning, Viva Answer Structure, and Professional Dental English
Our goal is not to help candidates memorise answers, but to build the clinical thinking and communication skills needed to approach unfamiliar cases with confidence.
With only two weeks remaining before the first 2026 HKDLE Part 3 examination, candidates should focus less on searching for “question banks” and more on strengthening case analysis, radiographic interpretation, treatment planning, and viva communication.
Ultimately, Part 3 is not about recalling standard answers. It is about demonstrating the ability to think, analyse, and make clinical decisions like a competent dentist.
We wish every candidate the very best in the final stage of preparation and success in the upcoming HKDLE examination.