Feedback on practical examination performance

As you know, last September we started reporting critical errors on the Candidate Results Profile for the practical examination as a first step to provide more information to candidates about their performance in the exam.  

We are pleased to announce that starting period 1, 2026, candidates will receive a feedback report for the tasks completed in the simulation clinic, on their technical skills day of practical examination for general dentists. The report will contain details of the marking rubric criteria that have been assessed as ‘unsatisfactory’ where the overall score for the task is a ‘fail’. A copy of the report, including information on how to read the feedback is available on our website here. Please note the report will be available by close of business on the same day when results are released. We hope this additional information will be helpful to candidates in completing the assessment process, and we will continue to provide updates on further changes planned for later in 2026.

Clarification on critical errors reported on the Candidate Results Profile

As a result of feedback received from candidates, we are providing some additional explanation about critical errors and how these are reported to candidates. 

Critical errors occur when a candidate performs either

• an incorrect procedure, or
• a correct procedure at an incorrect site

While a critical error may not lead to an overall failure for the cluster that is being assessed, it does lead to a ‘fail’ score for the task or station where the error was made, as the procedure was not completed in accordance with the instructions provided. 

Candidates who fail a station or a task because they have made a critical error will be able to see that reflected in their statement of results.

• PASS: You demonstrated the expected minimum level of competence for this task/station.
• FAIL: You did not demonstrate the expected minimum level of competence for this task/station.
• FAIL – CRITICAL ERROR: You performed either an incorrect procedure or a correct procedure at an incorrect site.

Please note that a critical error is not the sole reason why a candidate may receive a ‘fail’ score for a station. It is possible for candidates to fail a task or station without making a critical error if they do not demonstrate the minimum level of competence required.

For more information and examples, please refer to the Understanding your results profile factsheet.