SDLE Study Plan by Time Left

What to study first for SDLE: sections ranked by question count, with plans for four weeks, two weeks and the final week.

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Questions and time
200 questions · 240 minutes
Pass mark
Pass score: 542 on the 200–800 reporting scale. Practice accuracy cannot be converted to this score.
Exam fee
Shown during official booking; the amount can vary by test country.

Start with 10 free questions to find what needs more work. No sign-up, with answer explanations.

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Last verified: 11 November 2026. This is an independent guide; it is not affiliated with Saudi Commission for Health Specialties or any government body. Exam details can change, so check the exam page at Saudi Commission for Health Specialties before relying on any figure.

This guide answers one question: with the days you have left before SDLE, what do you study first? Section details are in the syllabus guide; booking and fees are in the registration guide.

The numbers behind the plan

FactWhat it means for your study
200 questions in 240 minutes (Saudi Commission for Health Specialties)About 72 seconds per question. Answer recall questions quickly to leave time for the ones that need reading or calculation.
Pass mark: Pass score: 542 on the 200–800 reporting scale. Practice accuracy cannot be converted to this score.Your practice accuracy does not convert to this score, so use it to compare your sections with each other.
Fee: Shown during official booking; the amount can vary by test country.Every extra attempt costs money and time, so do not book until your mock scores are steady.

Sections in order of size

  1. Restorative Dentistry: 80 questions (40%)
  2. Periodontics: 36 questions (18%)
  3. Endodontics: 34 questions (17%)
  4. Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery: 30 questions (15%)
  5. Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry: 20 questions (10%)

Four weeks or more

Give the sections 20 study days in proportion to their weight, then keep a week for mock exams:

  • Restorative Dentistry: 8 days
  • Periodontics: 4 days
  • Endodontics: 3 days
  • Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery: 3 days
  • Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry: 2 days

After each section, work its questions in the practice area and read the explanation for every option you got wrong before moving on.

Two weeks

Ten days for the larger sections and four for mock exams and review:

  • Restorative Dentistry: 3 days
  • Periodontics: 2 days
  • Endodontics: 2 days
  • Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery: 2 days
  • Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry: 1 day

The final week

  • Day 1: the 10 free questions, to find your weakest sections.
  • Days 2 to 4: Restorative Dentistry and Periodontics first because they are the largest, then your weakest section.
  • Day 5: one full mock exam: 200 questions in 240 minutes without stopping.
  • Day 6: go through every question you got wrong and read the explanation for each option.
  • Day 7: light review, and check your appointment, test centre and required ID.

Dental License (SDLE)

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Sources and references

  1. Saudi Commission for Health Specialties – exam page scfhs.org.sa
  2. Saudi Commission for Health Specialties – exam specification scfhs.org.sa