Welcome to Prep Doctors: A Legacy of Excellence in Global Dental Equivalency

Posted on Jan 17, 2024Jan 17, 2024 by Prep Doctors

At Prep Doctors, we stand at the forefront of dental equivalency education, uniting aspiring dentists from around the world with their dreams of practicing in Canada, Australia, and the United States. Our legacy spans over 13 years, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and the empowerment of foreign-trained dentists on a global scale.

Our Global Reach

Prep Doctors’ impact extends far beyond borders. With a global reach that spans continents, we’ve helped dentists from diverse backgrounds and nations achieve their dental equivalencies in North America and Australia.

Our community is a testament to the unifying power of education, with students hailing from countries across the globe, creating a rich tapestry of cultures and experiences.

Our Legacy: 13 Years of Excellence

Our journey began in 2011, fueled by a passion for empowering aspiring dentists to bridge the gap between their international qualifications and their dream of practicing in North America and later Australia. Over the years, our commitment to excellence has only grown stronger. We are proud to be backed by a dedicated team of professionals with unparalleled expertise in dental education and equivalency processes. With each passing year, we’ve continued to refine and improve our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our students.

Dental Equivalency: 10,780+ Students Passed

Prep Doctors isn’t just an institution; it’s a community of driven individuals who have embarked on the path to success. With immense pride, we can share that more than 10,780 of our students have become dentists in Canada, Australia, and the USA. Each success story is a testament to our commitment to your success, and it’s these stories that inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of excellence. Check out our Testimonials here.

Proven Results: 85%+ Passing Rate

We understand that the journey to dental licensure can be challenging, but it’s not one you have to undertake alone. Our courses and guidance have consistently demonstrated results, with an impressive passing rate of over 85%. We don’t just aim for success; we aim for your success on the very first attempt. Our mission is to more than double your chances of passing equivalency exams, and our track record speaks for itself.

Our Comprehensive Course Offerings

At Prep Doctors, our primary focus is on your success. We offer a range of comprehensive course offerings, each meticulously tailored to meet the specific requirements of the equivalency examinations and board exams in Canada, Australia, and the United States. Our commitment to your educational journey is centered on providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.

Below, we will provide you with a brief overview of the various courses we provide.

NDEB Canadian Dental Equivalency

For those aspiring to practice dentistry in Canada, our NDEB Canadian Dental Equivalency Courses have been carefully designed to prepare you for the NDEB Exams:

Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK): This course provides a deep dive into the fundamental knowledge required for success in the AFK exam, covering essential dental science subjects.
Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ): Our ACJ course focuses on honing your clinical judgment skills, including treatment planning and patient management.
NDECC (National Dental Examining Board Case-Based Clinical): This course offers practical and clinical case simulations to refine your skills and l decision-making abilities
Virtual OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination): Prepare for the final exam which all dentists have to complete we offer immersive virtual practice sessions.

Our curriculum comprehensively covers the entire spectrum of knowledge essential for success in the Canadian Dental Equivalency Process.

Here is a Blog explaining, How to become a dentist in Canada.

Here is how one of our students scored a Perfect 100 in the AFK Exam.

How I Scored 100 in AFK | Dr. Hima Lohi | Prep Doctors

ADC Australian Dental Equivalency

Australia sets high standards for dental practice, and our ADC Australian Dental Equivalency Courses are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet these standards:

ADC Part 1: Dive into a comprehensive review of dental knowledge domains, with extensive practice tests and skill-building workshops to enhance your problem-solving abilities.
ADC Part 2: Prepare for the clinical examination with clinical case simulations, hands-on practice, and detailed feedback from experienced instructors.

Check out our Blog on, How to Become a Dentist in Australia.

INBDE American Dental Equivalency

The United States offers a diverse dental landscape, and our INBDE American Dental Equivalency Course is geared towards preparing you for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE).

Our approach is centered on providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, ensuring you are well-prepared for the American Board Examination.

Here is a Youtube video on, Everything about the INBDE:

Everything About INBDE

A Partnership for Success

At Prep Doctors, we are more than educators; we are your partners in success. We understand the intricacies of the equivalency journey, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our legacy is built on your success stories, and we are committed to helping you realize your dream of practicing dentistry in North America and Australia.

Whether you’re embarking on this journey for the first time or seeking to enhance your existing knowledge, Prep Doctors is your trusted companion. Join our global community, and let’s make your dental dreams a reality. We have more to come!

To help give you the best information to make an informed decision, Prep Doctors offers scheduled tours of our campus and facilities, as well as demo classes. Our team is always available to answer any questions about the dental equivalency journey. So, please reach out to us through our Facebook page or email us at info@prepdoctors.ca We are more than happy to help!

How to Stay Motivated in Completing Your NDEB Exams

Posted on Jul 16, 2023Feb 22, 2024 by ankush

Embarking on the journey to become a licensed dentist in Canada may feel like an uphill battle. However, fear not! Finding the motivation to complete your NDEB exams, no matter the obstacle or challenge in front of you – pays off in the end.
As you move through the equivalency process, slowly capturing passing grades in each exam, you’ll be able to build momentum toward your end goal – being a fully licensed dentist.

At Prep Doctors, we understand the unique challenges you face, and we’re here to provide you with personalized tips and resources to help you conquer the equivalency process with confidence and a dash of excitement.

We recently had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Benitta Saado, who recently passed through the equivalency process. She graduated in 2018 from St. Joseph University in Lebanon and moved to Quebec to join her parents. It was there that she began the equivalency process. Here are some of her essential tips to help you remain motivated as you do the same.

Tip #1 – Discover Your “Why”

Close your eyes for a moment, and let’s revisit the very reason that sparked your passion for dentistry. For many ITDs and students, it is the drive to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives. Many dentists can vividly remember the joy on a patient’s face when they transform a smile to be healthier and happier.

Reconnecting with your “why” will serve as your guiding light throughout this exhilarating journey, keeping you motivated and focused on your goal of becoming a dentist in Canada.

Tip #2 – Immerse Yourself in the Dental Environment

Working inside a dental office is a great way to learn about the various tools, techniques, and practical application of knowledge. Even if you have working experience ‘back home’ this will help you adapt to the Canadian methods of dentistry while igniting your passion and determination to grow. Surrounding yourself with passionate dentists, friendly hygienists, and enthusiastic dental assistants allows you to witness dental care’s positive impact on patients’ lives firsthand.

This invaluable experience will keep your motivation soaring high as you visualize your future success.

Tip #3 – Craft a Clear Study Plan

Organization is the key to success. We recommend breaking down the journey into manageable chunks. Create a study plan that brings structure and clarity to your preparation. Identify the topics you must cover and set achievable goals for each day or week.

By taking it step by step, you’ll prevent overload and ensure comprehensive coverage of all critical areas. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your dental dreams come to life overnight.

Tip #4 – Embrace Understanding over Memorization

This is a common mistake many students experience when facing the numerous exams for getting licensed as a dentist in Canada. Instead of trying to memorize everything, get a better understanding of the core concepts. Rather than relying solely on rote memorization, seek to grasp the underlying principles and reasoning behind each dental topic. At Prep Doctors, our lectures always take this approach whether they be AFK, ACJ, or NDECC Situational Judgment.

By cultivating a deep understanding, we help you increase your chances of success in exams and enhance your clinical knowledge and judgment. Be curious, ask questions, and uncover the “why” behind the facts. This approach will benefit both your exam performance and your future patients.

Tips to Grow Understanding

Talk with peers
Join study groups
Read online forums
Watch practical videos
Maximize your time on PrepTest™

Tip #5 – Utilize Available Resources

The online world is full of insightful and easy-to-use resources. Anyone seeking detailed info on complex dental topics can easily find them in textbooks, online materials, study groups, and practice exams. When your motivation starts to fade because the exams seem overwhelming, try different combinations of resources, and find what works best for you.

Remember, having a broad mix of resources keeps things interesting. By using different materials, you’ll get a well-rounded understanding of dentistry in Canada and how to proceed through each stage of the NDEB exams.

Our team at Prep Doctors offers a simplified platform where you can find study materials, pre-made pathways, and get the personalized guidance you need from experts to help you succeed.

Tip #6 – Seek Support and Guidance

Dr. Benitta found solace and motivation in connecting with fellow dentists who were either on the same journey or had successfully completed it. Joining study groups, participating in online forums, and engaging with professional networks provide valuable insights and creates a supportive community. Sharing triumphs, challenges, and resources with like-minded individuals will motivate and inspire you. Remember, you are never alone in this exhilarating pursuit.

Motivation gets much more complicated when no fuel keeps you moving forward. That gas for your education engine begins and ends with a strong community around you. True, there are some individuals that can tackle the different NDEB exams on their own, but it is much easier with peers, friends, mentors, and patients who appreciate your hard work.

Tip #7 – Stay Resilient and Persevere

The NDEB equivalency process may present unexpected challenges, delays, or moments of self-doubt. However, countless dentists before you have conquered the process, and you can too. We all know how hard it was to keep moving during COVID but we made it through. Internationally trained dentists need to cultivate resilience, keep a positive mindset, and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Believe in your abilities, celebrate small victories, and keep pushing forward. Your unwavering determination will be rewarded when you finally achieve your dream of practicing dentistry in Canada.

You got this!

In short, embarking on the journey to become a licensed dentist in Canada is no small feat. However, with personalized tips and unwavering support from the people we meet at Prep Doctors, success is within your reach.

Reconnect with your passion, immerse yourself in the Canadian dental environment, and stay resilient throughout the equivalency process. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dental dreams.

Join Prep Doctors, access our comprehensive study resources, connect with a supportive community, and receive personalized guidance tailored to your needs. Together, let’s transform your dreams into reality. Visit us now and take the first step toward your future as a successful dentist in Canada!

A NEW Era for ACJ Preparation

Posted on Jun 5, 2023Feb 22, 2024 by ankush

In May our Chief Learning Officer, Dr. Marwan Al Rayes sat down with ACJ instructors Dr. Khalid Ariam and Dr. Thulfiqar Al-Rubaye to talk about the future of ACJ training at Prep Doctors. Dr. Marwan also announced some significant new financing options that will be available to Prep Doctors trainees at the ACJ stage and beyond.

You can find the full webinar recording below but here is a summary of some of the important announcements and course updates.

The NEW way to prepare for ACJ

The ACJ course is now expanded to cover at least 5 months for extensive practice and to cover all bases.
The next course starts on June 19, 2023, and ends on November 14, 2023.
We are adding new lectures for Pediatric dentistry, Preventative dentistry, Restorative dentistry, Oral surgery, trauma, and TMJ.
You will also have access to Live Practice Sessions on these topics and more.
The course now includes live lectures covering all topics, on-demand recorded lectures, practice sessions with homework prerequisites, 600+ radiographs covered, continuous trainee tracking & one-on-one consultation, quizzes with discussions, weekly mock exams and discussions, and 4 full mock exams and discussions.
Access for up to 18 months until you pass the exam. *

NEW financial support

Introducing a new zero-interest ACJ payment plan which can be used over 18 months at approx. 177/month + HST.
As a Prep Doctors ACJ trainee, you will have access to up to $30,000 at ZERO percent interest for NDECC exam preparations. This comes with a payment plan that is also up to 18 months.

*Disclaimer: If you have already registered/transferred to our ACJ course starting in September, we have automatically included you in the course starting in June. If you are unable to attend the live lectures starting in June, you can start attending the course whenever it’s convenient for you as the lectures will be available for online replay.

To learn more about our revamped ACJ course and new financial support available, call our customer service team at +1 855-397-7737.

Ready to register for the upcoming ACJ course? Learn more about the course and sign up here.

5 Tips for How to Study for the ACJ Exam

Posted on Sep 13, 2021Dec 20, 2023 by ankush

Like it or not, intense studying is a crucial part of being prepared for the Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ) exam. Whether you decide to cram a few months before, practice trial and error, or take an exam prep course to dive deeper into the topics of periodontics, endodontics, and restorative dentistry, finding the right approach to passing is key.

As you navigate which study habit is the most effective for you, follow our five tips from Prep Doctors’ instructor, Dr. Khalid Khalid, for how you can study for the ACJ exam to feel most comfortable and confident come exam day.

1. Practice, Practice, Practice.

The ACJ exam is a 5.5-hour test consisting of 120 to 150 single-answer and multi-answer multiple-choice questions that offer a case-based assessment to evaluate an examinee’s clinical knowledge and clinical decision-making skills. The exam is divided into two booklets. The first hones in on a candidate’s know-how to formulate a diagnosis and draw clinical conclusions from dental charts, case histories, and photographs. The second booklet looks to test a candidate’s knowledge in oral radiology and their ability to make a radiographic interpretation and diagnosis through radiographic images.

We have found the best path to succeeding in these assessments is to practice… a lot. As ACJ instructor, Dr. Khalid Khalid, who has personally helped many dentists pass the exam, says, “Each x-ray looks different. When we look at x-rays in clinic, that’s in conjunction with what we see in the patient’s mouth, so that’s helpful, for example, for diagnosing caries or diagnosing bone loss or periodontal disease or an infection. It’s not that there is individuality between people. There is individuality between x-rays.”

“With radiology, you can get any x-ray in the exam. We’ve tried to include as much practice as possible in the (ACJ) course for x-rays so when someone is in the exam attempting those questions on their own, they will have that same exact approach of examining the x-rays,” says Dr. Khalid. Looking at x-rays top to bottom, left to right and building on each tooth’s visible structure can allow candidates to comprehensively analyze multiple x-rays as a practice method for “the more you look at x-rays, the more you are able to get from them, in general,” suggests Dr. Khalid.

2. The right approach is balance.

Passing the ACJ exam is all about having the tools needed to approach it with certainty. At Prep Doctors, we are constantly asked what approach candidates should take when they are up against an x-ray that accompanies a question allowing several options to the correct answer. Figuring out how conservative or aggressive you want to be on the exam is not the hurdle you should focus on. As Dr. Khalid says, the answer is neither. Instead, candidates should examine every x-ray singularly and weigh each selection they are given against one another to see which options are clear and worth choosing and which they should leave aside based on uncertainty.

3. Don’t think of the ACJ exam as an open battlefield.

When taking the ACJ exam, there’s typically a debate about the number of correct answers to choose for a single question. As Dr. Khalid mentions, this is “a challenging aspect of the exam to get a grasp on,” as it is relatively subjective.

However, the ACJ is designed to cover basic radiology for a general practitioner. On that account, there is a specific structure to the two main components (patient cases and x-rays) of the exam.

Put simply, try not to worry about the stress of choosing a certain number of answers; alternatively, “Think of it as a finite number of questions that you might get,” advises Dr. Khalid.

4. Understand the basics and focus on what’s important.

Coming out of the AFK exam, candidates have an immense amount of knowledge. However, with the ACJ, it’s not always about how much you know, but rather, about focussing on the basic concepts being examined.

“Try to approach different diseases, medical conditions, and aspects of patient care from as many viewpoints as possible and build on it,” says Dr. Khalid. Bring in as many cases as you can of similar diseases with different presentations and cases of different diseases with similar presentations.

At Prep Doctors, we look at the NDEB’s references for specific topics; including but not limited to, pathology, periodontology, endodontics, radiology, and anesthesia, and cover these evidence-based concepts in our lectures and course material formulating questions, answers, practice sessions, quizzes, and mock exams from them to fully understand and solidify their weight to increase a candidate’s retention of learning.

5. Take an exam preparation course with us.

Prep Doctors follows a practice-heavy, cover-all-bases approach with more than 100 in-class hours and a problem-based learning method specially tailored to equip you with strategies you can’t find anywhere else. With four computer-based ACJ mock exams and multiple practice sessions for individual cases and radiographs, taking the Prep Doctors ACJ course ensures your success above all else.

To find out the winning ACJ approach and more tips like these from your instructors, Dr. Marwan Al Rayes and Dr. Khalid Khalid, enroll here. You can also learn more about our ACJ course and what you can expect, watch our ACJ Course Breakdown below or on our YouTube channel here.

Have a question about the ACJ exam that you need personally answered? Our team is always available to answer any questions about the NDEB process and dental equivalency. So, please reach out to us through our Facebook page or email us at info@prepdoctors.ca. We are more than happy to help!

For all other essential details and some ACJ study materials from the NDEB’s ACJ Protocol, click here.

Q&A with Dr. Marwan Recap

Posted on Jul 22, 2020Mar 12, 2021 by Uthman Quick

Missed the Q&A? Don’t sweat it. Watch the full recording of our presentation down below:

The occurrence of COVID-19 has undoubtedly caused shake-ups within the Canadian dental landscape. From the upcoming NDEB schedule to how trainees have adapted to online methods of teaching, we wanted to equip internationally-trained dentists with the knowledge to help navigate through these changes.

So, what are the key things to understand about all of these new changes? That was the subject of our recent live Q&A with our Chief Learning Officer and lead instructor, Dr. Marwan Al Rayes.

Here are some of the key takeaways from our live Q&A:

NDEB Exams:

The NDEB has been very impressive in how they have handled a lot of concerns and rumours in regards to future exam dates. Here is what we learned about what is in store for our courses:

Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK): The NDEB has cancelled their August exam and has postponed it to December 16, 2020. The February 2021 exam will continue on as planned. For the December exam, we will have a unique comprehensive review course that is structured specifically for the postponed exam. The course will include access to all the main features of the regular course such as live lectures, review lectures on and mock exams.

Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ): The ACJ exams will take place in September and November of 2020. We will also have a condensed course to accommodate those that will be taking the rescheduled ACJ exam in September. This course is designed to deliver complete ACJ content for new students or returning students who need a refresher close to the exam date. The course will consist of 4 mock exams and 4 mock discussions. Lectures will be held online but the mock exams will take place on campus.

The ACJ Condensed course will also consist of ACS components which will be delivered in a form of 4 weekly webinars that are scheduled post-exam. Including the ACS module, the course is 13 weeks in duration which will also make you eligible for CESB, if needed.

Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS) : The scheduled ACS exam will take place December 2020 and our course will begin on July 13th.

The NDEB released a schedule of all dates for the exams that will take place for the remainder of 2020 into 2021 that can be found here.

ACS in the lab:

The COVID-19 pandemic created a situation that was difficult for most industries to operate in. For us the clinical skills lab posed a particular challenge as our trainees spend a lot of time in our labs and traditionally worked in close quarters with instructors and fellow trainees.

During the lockdown, we implemented new ways to check students’ work that we found worked so well, we will be adapting our ACS course in order to keep those changes. Those changes include, using HD cameras to do work-check and live online demos, and online one-on-one sessions between trainees and instructors.

With ACS being one of the more hands-on courses, there will be some new changes and techniques put into place. We went back and looked at the regulations of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and had in-depth conversations with officials who are in agreement with the changes to our facilities. We have installed air purifiers and acrylic barriers in the labs to allow for more isolation, trainees will have their temperature taken upon arrival, masks and gloves will be required at all times for both trainees and staff when in the labs and around the office, sanitization stations will be available.

Online options will still be available for ACS courses.

OSCE and Written Exam: The OSCE and Written exams will take place in September 2021. You can find more information about our upcoming OSCE and Written courses here.

CESB:

With Prep Doctors now being a certified educational institute, some of our trainees may qualify for the Canada Student Emergency Benefit (CESB). We have received many questions about qualifications and we strongly urge those interested to view our handy CESB guide that can be found on our blog. Use the link below to check it out:

https://prepdoctors.ca/qualify-for-cesb/