Dental Hygiene (ADEX)

DENTAL HYGIENE

EXAM CALENDAR
DENTAL HYGIENE

EXAM FORMS
DENTAL HYGIENE

EXAM MANUALS
DENTAL HYGIENE

EXAM ORIENTATION
The following is a brief description of the ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination. For more extensive information please download the Dental Hygiene Candidate Manual.

The Examination in Dental Hygiene consists of two core Examinations and each takes place at different times. The Computer Simulated Clinical Examination (CSCE) is a computer based examination, approximately 2 hours in length, and takes place on one day by appointment at a Prometric Testing Center. The Patient Treatment Clinical Examination (PTCE) is approximately 4 hours in length, scheduled at a clinical examination site. Both parts of the ADEX Dental Hygiene Examination (clinical or computer-based) must be successfully completed within 18 months. If any examination in the series is not successfully completed within the 18 months, all examinations of the series must be retaken. A score of 75 or more is required to pass each Examination. Both Examinations must be passed to receive CDCA Status. CDCA Status is recognized by the participating CDCA licensing jurisdictions.

Linda Pulgar
administrator
EXPERIENCE Tutor of| Dentist Study Group – Orlando, FL (2016–Present) Prepare international dentists for U.S. boards (NBDHE, ADEX) Speaker and clinical instructor for CE courses Registered Dental Hygienist | Sage Dental – Orlando, FL (2021–Present) Dental Hygiene Skills ⦁ Comprehensive patient assessments and periodontal charting ⦁ Periodontal therapy: scaling and root planing (SRP), full-mouth debridement ⦁ Proficient in radiographic techniques (FMX, BWX, panoramic, Ceph) ⦁ Fluoride applications (varnish, gel), sealants, and desensitizing agents ⦁ Application of localized antimicrobials (Arestin, Atridox) ⦁ Oral hygiene instruction tailored to individual patient needs ⦁ Management of recall systems and re-evaluation protocols ⦁ Soft tissue management, gingival assessments, BOP interpretation ⦁ Infection control, sterilization protocols, OSHA/HIPAA compliance ⦁ Patient education in caries prevention and nutritional counseling Orthodontic Assistant | Multiple Practices – FL (2013–2021) ⦁ Initial orthodontic records: panoramic/cephalometric X-rays, intraoral/extraoral photos, impressions, digital scans ⦁ Bracket placement, band fitting, and bonding assistance ⦁ Archwire changes, ligature tie-ins, elastic and power chain application ⦁ IPR (interproximal reduction) and enamel polishing ⦁ Delivery and adjustment of removable appliances and clear aligners ⦁ Retainer fabrication: Essix, Hawley, and fixed retainers ⦁ Invisalign and iTero scan proficiency ⦁ Orthodontic charting, treatment progress notes, and recall scheduling ⦁ Patient education on appliance care, oral hygiene, and compliance ⦁ Sterilization, inventory management, and operatory setup ⦁ Support during debonding, final impressions, and retainer delivery General & Cosmetic Dentist – Venezuela (2001–2010) Dental Treatments for Oral Rehabilitation in Medically Compromised Patients Patients with systemic conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome), or hematologic disorders require an interdisciplinary and medically informed dental approach. Treatment must be tailored to their immunologic, pharmacologic, and systemic health status. ⦁ Comprehensive pre-treatment evaluation in coordination with the medical team. ⦁ Antibiotic prophylaxis when medically indicated. ⦁ Non-surgical periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing. ⦁ Topical fluoride applications for patients undergoing cancer therapy or experiencing xerostomia. ⦁ Minimally invasive restorative treatments to preserve tooth structure and reduce trauma. ⦁ Use of biocompatible and metal-free materials when sensitivities are present. ⦁ Removable or fixed prostheses adapted for fragile oral mucosa or dry mouth conditions. ⦁ Intensive oral hygiene education and frequent preventive maintenance visits. ⦁ Monitoring of oral side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, or immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., mucositis, osteonecrosis, candidiasis). ⦁ Pain management and comfort-focused care during all procedures. Speaker & Trainer ⦁ Dentist Study group - Dental national board course prep Bilingual ⦁ Dentist study group - Hygienist Uptoday ⦁ Dentist Study group - Medical emergency at dental chair course ⦁ Dentist Study group - Private tutoring for Dental student and Dental hygienist ( Gross anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology,Oral medicine,Periodontics,Radiology) ⦁ Solidaridad Sin Fronteras – Foreign-trained dentist speaker ⦁ Dental Training for you – Ortho Assistant Instructor - Dental assistant Instructor ⦁ Aligner Plus International Speaker EDUCATION Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela ⦁ Doctor of Dental Surgery, 2001 ⦁ Orthodontic Seminar (1 year), 2004 ⦁ Graduate Studies & Continuing Education: ⦁ Reconstructive & Cosmetic Dentistry – UCV Caracas, 2002–2003 ⦁ San Juan de Dios Hospital Internship – Caracas, 2004–2005 ⦁ Orthodontics Seminars ⦁ Invisalign (iTero) Training – Miami, FL ⦁ Implant & Digital Impressions, Rx Certification – Miami, FL ⦁ Aligner Plus – CE & International Training ⦁ ACP, OSHA, HIPAA, and Human Trafficking CE ⦁ INBDE Preparation ⦁ NBDHE Certification ⦁ Ongoing Dental Hygienist CE (Online Courses) Additional Clinical Training: ⦁ Curondont Therapy ⦁ Perio Protect Protocol ⦁ Oral Cancer Screening Techniques ⦁ Periodontal Stromal Therapy