Sample OSCE stations

Sample OSCE stations
At the start of the examination you will be given a booklet containing information
about each of the “patients” you will see at the ten OSCE stations.
The information you will be given will include the patient‟s name, age, gender,
occupation and any relevant history. You will also be given a lead question. This will
tell you the focus of the station.
Prior to entering each OSCE station you will have up to two minutes to look at this
information before you speak to the “patient”.
While you are having a dialogue with the “patient”, an examiner will be marking you
against a pre-agreed set of criteria on a mark sheet.
Examples of candidate information and mark sheets are given below. The mark
sheets are used as a basic outline and guide to the examiners. They indicate the
absolute minimum required and the actual assessment of passing or failing is more
complex than indicated on these mark sheets.
EXAMPLE 1
Candidate information
Case Topic: Discussion of possible treatment options
Name
Fiona Jones
Age
25 years
Gender
Female
Occupation
Solicitor
Relevant social history
Non-smoker/never smoked
Drinks 1 to 2 glasses of wine several evenings a
week
Relevant medical history
Fit and well
Information about scenario

Tooth 21 traumatised at the age of 7 years; restored with a series of
composite restorations, then a post crown at age 16 years.

21 root fractured approximately 1 year ago and root extracted 9 months ago.

Currently wearing a tissue borne acrylic P/- to replace this tooth.

Otherwise intact dentition, minimally restored.

Excellent oral hygiene.
At this station
The patient wants to discuss with you the available options to replace the missing
incisor with something more permanent.
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Marking schedule
Case Name: Fiona Jones
Cand No:
Case Topic: Discussion of possible treatment options
Station:
Examiner:
Information Gathering
Competent
 Recognises concern about aesthetics and function
 Appreciates relevance of the wedding in the near future and the need to move
things along swiftly
 Also appreciates possible pressure from parents
Not competent
 Fails to gain appropriate information
 Fails to appreciate influence of the forthcoming wedding
Grade
Dentist-patient interaction
Competent
 Shows appropriate concern and empathy
Not competent
 Fails to develop adequate rapport.
Grade
Conveying information
Competent
 Clear explanation of various options
 Gives accurate information re what each procedure involves and relative costs
(including time)
Not competent
 Fails to discuss all possible options
 Vague
 Over technical explanation with lots of jargon
 Fails to acknowledge time constraints imposed by wedding
Grade
Clinical issues
Competent
 Explains need for possible referral to „specialist‟ for implant treatment
 Suggests that further investigations to assess bone volume is likely
Not competent
 Ignores possible need for additional „specialist‟ input
Grade
Pass/Fail
(delete as applicable)
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EXAMPLE 2
Candidate Information
Case topic: History taking
Name
Mr Joe Bloggs
Age
60
Gender
Male
Occupation
Filing Clerk
Relevant social
Non-smoker, social drinker
history
Relevant medical
Fit and well with no relevant medical history
history
Relevant dental
Irregular attender
history
Information about scenario
Patient has booked an appointment, informing your receptionist that he has a painful
mouth.
At this station
Take a full history from the patient concentrating on his complaints. Then discuss his
concerns and any further tests you may prescribe.
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Marking Schedule
Case Name: Joe Bloggs
Case Topic: History taking
Cand No:
Examiner:
Station:
Information Gathering
Competent
 Listens to history and elicits relevant points
 Asks relevant questions
o Symptoms - How long, where, type of pain, initiating/relieving factors,
any other treatment provided
Not competent
 Does not obtain most of history
 Fails to ask relevant questions for pain diagnosis
Grade
Dentist/patient interaction
Competent
 Clear, logical approach to questioning
 Uses appropriate eye contact & body language
 Professional, empathetic approach
Not competent

Takes history in unstructured way

Fails to develop adequate rapport

Unsympathetic approach
Grade
Conveying information
Competent
 Clear explanation of possible diagnoses
 Reassures patient
 Avoids jargon
Not competent
 Failure to explain causes of symptoms, reassure.
 Failure to reassure patient about condition
 Use of unnecessary jargon
Grade
Clinical issues
Competent
 Explains possible further investigations
 Appreciates significance of history
Not competent
 Poor understanding of significance of history
 Does not explain possible further tests to support / disprove differential
diagnosis
Grade
Pass / Fail
(delete as applicable)
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EXAMPLE 3
Candidate information
Case Topic: Planning treatment
Name
David Smith
Age
20
Gender
Male
Occupation
Student
Relevant Medical
Fit and well, Tetanus immunisation up-to-date
History
Relevant Dental History
Regular attender – no restorations
Information about scenario
Imagine you are a dentist in general dental practice.
anterior teeth while playing football yesterday.
David had trauma to his upper
The upper right central incisor was
avulsed (knocked out). The coach found the tooth on the ground, rinsed it with water
and pushed it back into the socket. On examination the tooth appears well positioned.
The adjacent and opposing teeth appear intact.
incisors exhibit Grade I mobility.
Both the upper right and left central
Radiographs of the upper and lower anterior teeth
show no root fracture or other pathology.
At this station
The patient wishes to know if he requires any further treatment. He is concerned
about the prognosis for his front teeth.
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Marking Schedule
Case Name: David Smith
Case Topic: Planning treatment
Cand No:
Examiner:
Station:
Information Gathering
Competent
 Confirms history
 Realises patient wishes to retain incisors
Not competent
 Fails to recognise nature of injury
 Fails to establish patient‟s concerns
Grade
Dentist/Patient interaction
Competent
 Shows concern and understanding
 Manages concerns
 Discusses short and long term option and effects
Not competent
 Ignores concerns
 Fails to answer questions
 Fails to take account of patient‟s wishes
Grade
Communicating
Competent
 Clear language no jargon
 Clear explanation of treatment – immediate and long term
 Clear explanation of prognosis
Not competent
 Fails to discuss prognosis
 Fails to explain treatment clearly and discuss follow-up
 Uses jargon
Grade
Clinical Issues
Competent
 Appropriate management of situation discussed
 Discusses prognosis
 Discusses outcomes and restorative options
Not competent
 Incorrect treatment
 Ignores possible loss of tooth
Grade
Pass / Fail
(delete as applicable)
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