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ADEX crown prep guide for the 2026 criteria
A visual study guide to all three crown preparations of the ADEX Prosthodontic exam: the #9 all-ceramic crown prep and the #5 and #3 zirconia preps for the bridge abutments. It covers what the examiners score on each preparation under ADEX criteria v26.8, with real graded preparations.
On the exam: Up to four hours for three crown preparations: an all-ceramic crown on a central incisor, and zirconia crowns on a premolar and a molar as the abutments of a 3-unit bridge. Sources
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Real graded preparations
Photos of real preparations from the guide, with the score each one earned.
ACC · Adheres to the criteria 
ACC · Adheres to the criteria 
SUB · Marginally substandard 
DEF · Critical deficiency 
ACC · Adheres to the criteria 
DEF · Critical deficiency
What you'll learn
The 12 checks examiners score on a crown preparation (criteria v26.8). The guide explains each one with real graded preparations.
- Where the margin sits
- The shape of the margin
- How wide the margin is
- Line of draw
- How much you took off the sides
- Undercuts
- Taper
- Reduction off the top
- Line angles
- The one that changes with the tooth
- The neighbouring teeth
- The gum and the typodont
The ADEX Dental Examination at a glance
Official exam details as published by ADEX. Our guide is a study aid, not the examination document.
- The exam series
- The ADEX Dental Examination combines the computer-based DLOSCE with five clinical exams: Periodontal, Endodontic, Prosthodontic, Anterior Restorative and Posterior Restorative. All parts must be passed within 18 months of the first attempt of any part.
- Source: ADEX Dental Examination page (opens in a new tab) · Examination Fees: the five clinical exams and the DLOSCE; ADEX Candidate Guide (PDF) (opens in a new tab) · The ADEX Examination Series & 18-Month Rule: the 18-month rule
- Where you work
- The clinical exams are performed on simulated patient manikins and proprietary typodont models, in a clinic or simulation laboratory.
- Source: ADEX Dental Candidate Manual, Clinical (PDF) (opens in a new tab) · Examination Overview
- Prosthodontic exam
- Up to four hours for three crown preparations: an all-ceramic crown on a central incisor, and zirconia crowns on a premolar and a molar as the abutments of a 3-unit bridge.
- Source: ADEX Dental Candidate Manual, Clinical (PDF) (opens in a new tab) · Examination Overview; Endodontic & Prosthodontic Performance Expectations
- Passing score
- Examiners rate each criterion Clinically Acceptable, Marginally Substandard or Critically Deficient. A score of 75 or greater is required to pass each part, and results are reported as pass or fail.
- Source: ADEX Dental Candidate Manual, Clinical (PDF) (opens in a new tab) · Scoring Overview — Endodontic and Prosthodontic Exams
- Retakes
- Failing one crown preparation means retaking the whole Prosthodontic exam. A 10-day waiting period applies before any retake, and three failed attempts of the same part fail the entire exam series.
- Source: ADEX Candidate Guide (PDF) (opens in a new tab) · 10-Day Retake Waiting Period; ADEX 3-Time Fail Policy; ADEX Dental Candidate Manual, Clinical (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- Exam fee
- $2,995 for the full ADEX Dental series, plus a facility fee that varies by location and a $150 typodont fee per procedure. It includes one complimentary retake per clinical procedure.
- Source: ADEX Dental Examination page (opens in a new tab) · Examination Fees – ADEX Dental Series
Source: ADEX Dental Candidate Manual and Candidate Guide, 2026–2027 season. Confirm current details at adextesting.org. Last verified .
Frequently Asked Questions
Study the crown prep criteria before you sit
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