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ADEX exam

ADEX Patient Communication OSCE – Consent, Explanation & Behavior

A guide to the communication skills ADEX expects: explaining procedures, obtaining consent, and responding professionally.

Quick Answers

What does the communication OSCE test?

Your ability to explain procedures clearly, obtain informed consent, and maintain a professional, empathetic tone.

What is the most important rule?

Use simple language and confirm understanding before moving forward.

What breaks professionalism?

Using technical jargon, rushing explanations, ignoring patient concerns, or not addressing anxiety.

What must you always include when explaining a procedure?

The reason, steps involved, risks, benefits, alternatives, and what the patient will feel.

How do you score higher?

Summarize, check understanding, and ask for questions before requesting consent.

1. What ADEX wants to see

This station evaluates your ability to communicate as a safe, trustworthy clinician. The focus is not dental knowledge but clarity, empathy, professionalism, and ensuring the patient understands the procedure.

A calm, friendly tone with structured explanations scores highest.

2. How to explain a procedure the ADEX way

Use this simple and effective pattern:

  • Explain the problem in simple terms.
  • Describe the procedure step-by-step.
  • State risks, benefits, and alternatives.
  • Explain sensations the patient may feel.
  • Set expectations for recovery.
  • Ask if the patient has any concerns.

Avoid complicated terminology—ADEX rewards plain language.

Example (Class II composite):

“We will remove the decayed part of the tooth, clean the area, and place a tooth-colored filling. You may feel vibration but no pain. The risks are sensitivity or fracture if decay is deep. A benefit is restoring strength and preventing further decay.”

3. Informed consent – exam essentials

ADEX expects these elements clearly stated:

  • Diagnosis and reason for treatment.
  • Procedure steps in understandable language.
  • Risks and common complications.
  • Benefits and expected outcomes.
  • Alternatives, including doing nothing.
  • Opportunity for questions.

Consent is only valid when the patient understands and agrees voluntarily.

4. Professional and empathetic behavior

High-yield behaviors for scoring:

  • Sit or stand at eye level with the patient.
  • Use the patient’s name and maintain respectful tone.
  • Address dental anxiety with reassurance.
  • Avoid interrupting or rushing.
  • Summarize the plan before obtaining consent.

5. Common communication mistakes

  • Using technical dental terminology.
  • Explaining too briefly or too vaguely.
  • Ignoring patient’s emotional cues.
  • Not checking understanding before consent.
  • Sounding memorized rather than conversational.

6. Fast memory points

  • Explain → Risks → Benefits → Alternatives → Questions → Consent.
  • Speak slowly and clearly.
  • Avoid jargon.
  • Empathy improves scoring significantly.

How DentAIstudy helps

With Study Builder, you can generate:

  • Communication OSCE practice scripts.
  • Patient explanation templates.
  • Flashcards on consent elements.
  • Scenario prompts requiring patient-centered communication.

Try Study Builder →

References

  • ADEX Candidate Manual – Patient Communication standards.
  • Common OSCE communication frameworks used in dental education.
  • Guidelines for informed consent in clinical dentistry.