NDA Dental Requirements 2026: Points System & Disqualifying Conditions
Quick Answer
- Minimum 14 dental points required (from sound or repairable teeth)
- More than 2 loose teeth = UNFIT
- Orthodontic braces/appliances at time of exam = UNFIT (lingual retainers acceptable)
- Maximum 2 dental implants permitted
- Removable dentures do not count toward dental points
Source: NDA Notification Annexure B para 10 (page 53); AFCAT 02/2023 para 31 (page 55)
14
Minimum dental points required
2
Max loose teeth (3+ = unfit)
2
Max dental implants permitted
32
Max possible teeth (full adult dentition)
The NDA Dental Points System — Fully Explained
The NDA dental examination does not simply count the number of teeth. It assigns a clinical value (points) to each tooth based on its importance for chewing (mastication) and function. Higher-value teeth (molars) score more points because losing them has a greater functional impact than losing a front tooth.
| Tooth Type | Per Tooth | Count in Full Dentition | Max Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central incisor | 1 | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 4 |
| Lateral incisor | 1 | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 4 |
| Canine | 1 | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 4 |
| 1st premolar | 1 | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 4 |
| 2nd premolar | 1 | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 4 |
| 1st molar | 2 | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 8 |
| 2nd molar | 2 | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | 8 |
| 3rd molar — fully developed (wisdom) | 2 | 4 (if present & erupted) | 8 |
| 3rd molar — underdeveloped (wisdom) | 1 | 4 (if partially erupted) | 4 |
What is the maximum possible score?
If all 32 teeth are present and fully developed, the maximum score is 22 points (excluding wisdom teeth scores, since the above breaks them into developed/underdeveloped). If all four wisdom teeth are fully developed, the maximum is 22 points. If wisdom teeth are absent or not developed, the maximum from 28 teeth is 20 points. The minimum required is always 14 points.
Practical check: Even if you are missing 3–4 teeth, you may still have well over 14 points if your molars are intact. Count your points using the table above before your medical board to know where you stand.
The Functional Apposition Rule
Beyond the points total, the NDA medical board also checks functional apposition — whether corresponding upper and lower teeth meet properly for biting and chewing. The rule applies separately in each jaw:
| Jaw Region | Teeth Covered | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Anterior (front) | 6 teeth: 2 central incisors, 2 lateral incisors, 2 canines | Any 4 of 6 must be in good functional apposition in EACH jaw |
| Posterior (back) | 10 teeth: 2 first premolars, 2 second premolars, 2 first molars, 2 second molars, 2 third molars (if erupted) | Any 6 of 10 must be in good functional apposition in EACH jaw |
"Functional apposition" means that when you bite down, the upper and lower teeth meet and function together properly. Teeth that are present but do not contact their opposing teeth (due to over-eruption, malposition, or missing opposing teeth) may not count as being in functional apposition.
How Teeth Are Counted — What Counts, What Doesn't
| Tooth Condition | Counts toward points? |
|---|---|
| Sound tooth (no decay, no restoration) | Yes — full points |
| Tooth with a good permanent filling | Yes — full points |
| Dental implant (max 2) | Yes — full points |
| Tooth with decayed but restorable caries | Only if treated before SMB |
| Severely decayed or root-only tooth | No |
| Loose tooth | No (and >2 loose teeth = unfit overall) |
| Missing tooth (extracted) | No |
| Removable denture (prosthesis) | No |
| Third molar with pericoronitis | No — active infection disqualifies |
Key point: A tooth that is currently decayed but CAN be restored (filled) counts toward points — but only after the filling is actually done. Get all restorable teeth treated well before the medical board date.
Disqualifying Dental Conditions
The following conditions render a candidate unfit at the dental examination, regardless of dental points score:
| Condition | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| More than 2 loose teeth | UNFIT | Any degree of pathological mobility beyond Grade I in more than 2 teeth |
| Severe pyorrhoea (periodontitis) | REJECTED | Mild cases curable without extraction may be accepted after treatment |
| Severe malocclusion affecting mastication, phonetics, or oral hygiene | REJECTED | Mild cases that do not affect function may be accepted |
| Mouth opening less than 30 mm (at incisal edges) | REJECTED | Trismus of any cause |
| Symptomatic TMJ — clicking, tenderness, or dislocation on wide opening | REJECTED | Asymptomatic minor clicking may be noted but not rejected |
| Cleft palate (unrepaired or with residual defect) | REJECTED | Affects phonetics and mastication |
| Submucous fibrosis (with or without restricted opening) | REJECTED | Any stage |
| Generalised calculus with extensive gum disease | REJECTED | Can be treated; must be cleared before SMB |
| Leukoplakia, erythroplakia | UNFIT | Pre-malignant lesions |
| Ankyloglossia (tongue tie) restricting speech/movement | UNFIT | Minor cases may be accepted |
| Oral carcinoma | UNFIT | Any stage, any site |
| Fixed or removable orthodontic appliances at time of exam | UNFIT | Lingual retainers are acceptable |
| Post-traumatic maxillofacial surgery or injury | UNFIT for ≥ 24 weeks from surgery/injury | After 24 weeks, assessed on case merit |
Orthodontic Braces — Critical Information for NDA Aspirants
This is one of the most common causes of temporary rejection at NDA dental examination among teenage aspirants. Understand the rules clearly:
| Appliance Type | Status at SMB |
|---|---|
| Fixed metal braces (brackets and wire) | UNFIT at time of exam |
| Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces | UNFIT at time of exam |
| Clear aligners (Invisalign, similar) — if worn at time of exam | UNFIT at time of exam |
| Lingual retainer (thin wire bonded to inner surface of teeth) | ACCEPTABLE |
| Removable retainer (hawley or clear) — removed for exam | ACCEPTABLE if removed at exam |
Practical guidance for aspirants currently in braces
- If you are currently wearing fixed braces, plan your orthodontic timeline so that debonding (removal) occurs at least 4–6 weeks before your expected medical board date.
- After debonding, your orthodontist will typically fit a retainer. A lingual (fixed) retainer is fine for the NDA exam. A removable retainer should be removed before the dental examination.
- If your treatment requires continued fixed appliances beyond your medical board date, discuss with your orthodontist whether treatment can be temporarily paused or whether debonding is clinically safe.
- Do not attempt to remove your own braces or have them removed prematurely without orthodontic supervision — this can damage tooth enamel and leave residual composite that affects the dental examination.
Important: Being found unfit due to braces is a temporary disqualification. You can reappear at the next medical board once the braces are removed. It is not a permanent rejection. Plan your exam cycle and orthodontic treatment timeline accordingly.
Artificial Teeth — Dentures and Dental Implants
Removable dentures
Removable dental prostheses (partial or full dentures) are not counted toward dental points. They replace missing teeth functionally but are not considered equivalent to natural teeth for military medical purposes. If a candidate's natural/restored teeth yield fewer than 14 points, dentures do not make up the shortfall.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a different matter. Because an osseointegrated implant is anchored in the jawbone and functions identically to a natural tooth root, it is counted toward dental points. However, a strict limit applies:
Maximum 2 dental implants permitted. A candidate with 3 or more implants will be found unfit at the dental examination, regardless of their overall dental points score. This limit exists because multiple implants may indicate a pattern of significant dental trauma or disease, and because implant sites require ongoing monitoring not easily done in field conditions.
| Prosthesis Type | Counts for Points? | Permitted? |
|---|---|---|
| Removable partial denture | No | Permitted to wear (but not counted) |
| Full removable denture | No | Depends on overall dental assessment |
| Dental implant (1st) | Yes — full points | Permitted |
| Dental implant (2nd) | Yes — full points | Permitted |
| Dental implant (3rd or more) | Irrelevant | NOT permitted — candidate unfit |
How to Prepare Your Teeth for NDA — Action Plan
The NDA dental examination is one of the most actionable parts of the medical board — with proper preparation, most dental issues that would cause temporary rejection can be addressed. Start at least 3–6 months before your expected medical board date.
Step-by-step action plan
- Visit a dentist for a full dental examination. Ask for a clinical chart showing all teeth, their condition (sound, filled, decayed, missing), and any periodontal issues.
- Count your dental points using the system on this page. Identify if you are already at 14+ or if you need to restore teeth to reach that threshold.
- Get all decayed teeth filled or restored. Prioritise molars (2 points each) first if you are near the borderline. Use permanent composite or amalgam fillings — temporary fillings may not count.
- Get professional scaling and root planing to remove calculus (tartar) and treat any gum disease. If you have pyorrhoea, start periodontal treatment immediately.
- If you are wearing braces, plan the debonding date to be at least 4–6 weeks before your medical board.
- Get impacted wisdom teeth evaluated. If a wisdom tooth is impacted, infected (pericoronitis), or causing adjacent tooth damage, consider extraction well before the board — you need time for healing.
- Treat any mouth ulcers, gum swelling, or soft tissue lesions before the examination date. Active infections will be noted.
- Do a final dental check 2–4 weeks before the board to confirm all treatments are completed and healed.
The NDA notification itself (Appendix IV para 2) lists dental defects as correctable conditions — candidates are explicitly expected to address these before the medical board. A proactive approach to dental health is not just about passing the exam; it reflects the kind of self-management the Armed Forces value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dental points are needed for NDA?
A minimum of 14 dental points are required for NDA. The total possible points depend on how many teeth are present and whether third molars (wisdom teeth) are fully developed. Points are assigned based on tooth type: incisors, canines, and premolars score 1 point each; first and second molars score 2 points each; a fully developed third molar scores 2 points, while an underdeveloped wisdom tooth scores 1 point.
What is the dental points system in NDA?
The NDA dental points system assigns a clinical value to each tooth. Central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, first premolars, and second premolars each score 1 point. First molars and second molars each score 2 points. A fully developed third molar (wisdom tooth) scores 2 points; an underdeveloped wisdom tooth scores 1 point. Minimum required: 14 points from sound or repairable teeth.
Does having braces disqualify you from NDA?
Yes — fixed orthodontic appliances (metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners worn at the time of examination) render a candidate unfit at the time of the medical board. Lingual retainers (thin wire bonded to the inside of teeth after orthodontic treatment) are acceptable. Candidates should complete orthodontic treatment and have all fixed appliances removed at least 4 weeks before the medical board date.
How many loose teeth lead to rejection from NDA?
More than 2 loose teeth lead to rejection from NDA. A candidate with more than 2 clinically loose teeth is declared unfit at the dental examination. Up to 2 loose teeth may be accepted depending on clinical assessment, but any degree of looseness is a risk factor — candidates should address gum disease and periodontal health before the medical board.
Are artificial teeth (dentures) allowed in NDA?
Removable dental prostheses (dentures) are not counted toward the dental points tally. They do not replace the requirement for natural or restored teeth. A candidate relying on dentures to meet the 14-point minimum will be found to have an insufficient number of countable teeth. Dental implants, however, are permitted up to a maximum of 2 and do count toward dental points as they function like natural teeth.
How many dental implants are allowed in NDA?
A maximum of 2 dental implants are permitted in NDA. Implants count toward the dental points total (they function as natural teeth). Candidates with more than 2 implants may face rejection at the dental examination.
Does pyorrhoea (gum disease) disqualify from NDA?
Severe pyorrhoea (periodontitis, also called gum disease) is a disqualifying condition. Mild cases that are curable without tooth extraction may be accepted after treatment. Candidates with any signs of gum disease should see a periodontist well before their medical board date, complete a full course of treatment including scaling and root planing, and ensure the condition has resolved before attending the SMB.
Can I join NDA after getting my teeth treated/filled?
Yes — teeth that have been restored with good permanent fillings are counted toward dental points. A tooth that was previously decayed but has been successfully filled and is now sound counts as a normal tooth in the points system. Candidates should complete all dental treatment at least 4–6 weeks before the medical board to allow for proper healing and to ensure no post-treatment sensitivity or complications arise.
Sources
- NDA Notification Annexure B para 10 (page 53) — Dental requirements for male candidates including points system, loose teeth, and disqualifying conditions
- AFCAT 02/2023 para 31 (page 55) — Dental standards for Air Force candidates
- NDA Notification Appendix IV para 2 — Dental defects listed as rectifiable conditions to address before reporting for medical board
Disclaimer: This page is an educational guide based on publicly available NDA Notifications. Medical eligibility decisions rest solely with the Service Medical Board. Standards may be revised; always verify against the official notification for your exam cycle.