AFK Exam: 5 Simple Hacks to Improve Your Analytical Thinking

Posted on Apr 10, 2023Feb 22, 2024 by ankush

The Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK exam) is a written exam designed to test your knowledge of biomedical science and applied clinical science. It is also really important because it is the admission requirement for many Canadian Degree Completion Programs and the gateway to the rest of the NDEB equivalency process.

To put it simply, you must cram four years of instructional learning into a single exam before moving through the next stages of your dental equivalency process. Considering this test covers everything from Anatomy to Pharmacology and a slew of other dental subjects, it can often feel like an overwhelming task.

We need analytical thinking as human beings. This mindset allows us to find unique solutions to problems, plan to overcome the situation, and then take action to reach our goals. Taking the AFK exam is no different.

To become a dentist in Canada, focusing on your analytical skills will boost your ability to breeze through any exam setting.

So, how do we boost our ability to relax our minds, start detecting patterns, and solve complex problems? It comes down to hacking the test in a way that elevates your capabilities.

Don’t worry.

That might not sound very easy, but with consistency and our five hacks to improve your analytical thinking, you’ll feel fully prepared to study for the AFK exam.

Hack #1: Know the Test Format

You need to become so comfortable with the AFK test format that fear is completely removed from your success equation. Anytime you let fear of failure creep into your mind, you stunt the creation of long-term memories.

This short circuits your ability to retain all the practice and studying you have completed along the way.

A great way to do this is to join an AFK study group and complete sample questions. You want to familiarize yourself with what the AFK will feel, look, and actually be like on exam day. It should be like greeting an old friend at your home instead of a stranger.

This way, you are hacking your brain to rely on the information you have gathered and not some irrational fear of the unknown.

But hang on! DO NOT spend all your study time in study groups — your AFK course will provide you with ample test and format preparation. Use groups as a hack to solidify your memory. And if a group isn’t focused or taking up too much time, simply drop it!

Hack #2: Kill the Distractions

One of the most common barriers to analytical thinking is distractions. So, you need to adopt the mindset to kill your distractions. That means anything that prevents you from engaging in analytical thoughts, like digital screens, social activities, ringing phones, or even the faucet down the hall, that will not stop dripping.

Obviously, you want a healthy life full of balance, so you must dedicate some established time and space to studying each day.

A “safe study zone” free from anything that distracts your focus away from the task at hand. Friends and family should know that when you enter this space, you are on a mission to study for the AFK exam.

This is not a time to answer questions about where the phone charger is from your roommate.

This is the critical time you need to stay consistent with every topic so there are no surprises when it comes to taking the test.

Hack #3: Go Beyond Memorization

Want to pass the AFK exam? Go beyond memorizing data and then regurgitating it on a piece of paper or a screen. Analytical thinking is all about problem-solving.

When you apply yourself to each practice quiz in your AFK course, try to think of it differently. Give each question the weight of a real-world scenario.

Develop a hunger for a deeper understanding of why this question is crucial for you to know in the first place, and you’ll get to the answer a bit easier.

A good dentist never stops asking questions about why things are happening and how they can be improved.

More than 93% of business and non-profit leaders believe those who demonstrate analytical thinking are better at communication and complex problem-solving.

This is because you are willing to identify problems, select information when evaluating the issue, and draw a conclusion based on your collected evidence.

So, to apply this skill to improve your AFK results, go beyond memorization and:

• Read each question carefully so you fully understand the problem.
• Rely on your memory to give you the criteria for formulating an answer.
• Ask your instructor to clarify if something just doesn’t make sense to you.
• Present a solution based on the best-fit information you have collected and compare it to any hints on the exam, like multiple choice or key phrases that stand out to your mind.

Hack #4: Visualize Your Goal

No matter how you might feel about visualization, it works. Formal, structured goal setting leads to higher levels of engagement and achievement in individual performance. In other words, make a plan to study and pass your AFK exam.

Give yourself a definitive timeline and set a date for taking your exam. Break studying into smaller chunks for how much you’ll study each day and where you hope to be in 1, 4, 8, or 12 weeks.

Put that schedule on sticky notes all over your study space and keep the idea that you will be successful in the front of your mind. You’ll feed your analytical mind with motivation to work harder.

Hack #5: This is a Marathon

This last hack is a reminder. It’s just that simple: this is a marathon. You are not going to pass the AFK exam with only a day of review. Instead, this is a long-term study plan requiring dedication and commitment. So, find all the resources you can, build a study plan, join a study group, designate a space, and get to work.

Consistency breeds confidence, and you need to endure the negative thoughts of failure to move on to the next stage of your successful dental career.

The AFK exam is only a stepping stone along your professional dental journey but a critical one to take. Use these mental hacks to switch up the way your analytical mind works, and you will see fantastic returns when examination day comes.

You can do this! Don’t forget Prep Doctors is here to help.

Head over to our AFK Course page to learn more about our AFK Full Course, Crash Course, or Review Package options and when you can begin studying for your first NDEB exam.

About the Author

Karen Nunez was born in Valenzuela, Philippines. She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Centro Escolar University in Manila.

Karen currently is a practicing oral health care professional based in Alberta, Canada; and runs a website where she writes a slew of articles to empower internationally trained dentists to integrate into Canadian dentistry.

Read more of her blogs here.

The Ultimate Guide to Boost Your Memory and Concentration

Posted on Feb 14, 2023Feb 22, 2024 by ankush

You’re a dental student, meaning you are expected to have an advanced memory and be able to concentrate for hours on end. You can’t afford to let your brain go all wonky during exams.

Building your memory and concentration capabilities is like developing any other skill. It takes time and practice to integrate healthy habits into your lifestyle so that your brain power is maximized. You want your energy and mental capacity to operate at full throttle whether you are entering a dental school in Canada or trying to pass your NDEB exams.

Here are some tips for boosting your memory and concentration:

1. Eat Better

You do not need the body of a swimmer to be a dentist. However, you work in the medical field and should be more than aware that a healthy body equals an active mind.

The best foods to eat to boost your memory and concentration are those high in B vitamins, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and other nutrients.

Foods rich in these nutrients can help your brain function at a higher level. Balancing your diet with the essential nutrients you need will improve your memory and reduce brain fog.

2. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is the best thing you can do to boost your memory and concentration. In fact, research has shown that sleep deprivation impairs the hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for consolidating learning and memory. Think about amount of memory power you need for the AFK exam or all the radiographs you need to interpret for ACJ – good sleep should be a key part of your strategy for success.

Shoot for somewhere between 6-9 hours of quality sleep a night. Everyone is different, but that would put you at the average.

3. Get Up and Move!

If you want to boost your memory and concentration, then the best thing that you can do is exercise regularly. Exercise not only helps keep your body healthy, but it also has many positive effects on your brain and mind.

Even attending a cycle class twice a week can make you feel more alert and refreshed. Your body will produce neurotransmitters that boost your mood, motivating you to study and focus on what needs to be done to pass your next midterm university or NDEB exams.

4. Lower Stress

When stressed, our body produces hormones like cortisol which can negatively affect cognition. In fact, one study found that stressed people had an increased risk of short-term memory loss by up to 40%.

Other studies have shown that stress could make it tougher to learn new information and remember things while causing headaches or feelings of fatigue more often.

Do what you can to lower your stress levels. Take pauses throughout the day, and remember to breathe. You can do this!

5. Meditate

Mindfulness meditation is a simple technique that can be practiced anywhere, even while you are engaged in other activities. It involves focusing on the present moment and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. When you practice mindfulness meditation, you move away from a stressful mindset by focusing instead on what is happening right now—the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations around you.

There are endless studies proving meditation is a surefire way to improve mental focus and concentration. Even 10 minutes a day with a free mobile app can boost your cognitive capabilities.

6. Socialize

Socializing with people unknown to you is also important so the brain can create new memories and associations. In this way, we can use different memories together to improve our ability to recall things that would otherwise be difficult for us.

Social interaction also protects against depression and stress, adversely affecting memory loss. It will also help you to prepare for the interactions you will have with patients in the university clinics, actors the NDECC® Situational Judgement exam and real world patients once you are licensed to practice dentistry in Canada.

7. Get Organized

To boost your memory, you’re going to have to organize. Not just tidy—organize.

Organization is more than just being able to keep your house clean and tidy. It’s about being efficient in the things you do, so you can get more done in less time.

It’s also about being able to find the things that you need when you need them. And it helps if those things are where they should be when needed.

8. Try Evidence-Based Supplements

Supplementing your diet with some beneficial nutrients and herbs can help improve cognitive function and the brain’s ability to store new information. Only use what is scientifically proven to work, and consult your medical provider beforehand to not negate any medications you are taking.

You can try things like:

• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids
• Gingko Biloba
• Vitamin E

Be Gentle with Yourself

There are numerous other ways to improve your memory, but these are the best options for dental students. You can try flashcards, have group study sessions, or employ mnemonic devices.

In the end, you want to be gentle with yourself because this process is a marathon, not a sprint. You can achieve success on your NDEB or dental school exams and, later, your dentistry practice by integrating habits that optimize your energy more than your time.

If you’re struggling with memory and concentration, take some time to assess your lifestyle and see what you can do to improve it. A few simple changes can significantly affect your ability to remember things and stay focused on tasks.

About the Author

Karen Nunez was born in Valenzuela, Philippines. She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Centro Escolar University in Manila.

Karen currently is a practicing oral health care professional based in Alberta, Canada; and runs a website where she writes a slew of articles to empower internationally trained dentists to integrate into Canadian dentistry.

Read more of her blogs here.

5 Ways to Manage Your Time While Studying for Your NDEB Exams

Posted on Jan 30, 2023Feb 22, 2024 by ankush

Do you find yourself cramming for exams and wishing you had spent more time on readings? You’re not alone. In fact, many students, including myself, have difficulty managing their time effectively.

Being an internationally trained dentist (ITD) in Canada brings some responsibilities that require subtle lifestyle changes. You are investing a great deal of time and money into a new lucrative career. You should want to increase your chances of success from the beginning. That requires focus and dedication.

However, instead of stressing about getting the correct answer on every practice exam, take a breath and step back for a moment. Look at the way you live daily and think about how you can better your time management skills so the end result is solid progress towards your goal. Focus on completing dental requirements and balancing your life to lower stress levels and feel good while studying.

Why Time Management Matters to Dental Students?

Time management is essential for dental students because of the amount of work involved. Between clinicals and theoretical studies, there is not enough of your day to spread out with friends, family, and the critical activities of life like paying your bills and maintaining a measure of quality health.

Whether you are a first-year ITD preparing for an exam or a seasoned veteran one step away from opening a new practice, you already know there is so much to learn in this field. You don’t want your grades to suffer just because you didn’t manage your time correctly.

As a dentist, managing your time effectively is crucial because it will help with being productive at work and staying on top of your tasks. Having good time management skills will allow you to get more done while working fewer hours. It may not seem like much, but it will make a massive difference over time.

Think about how this prepares you for being a member of a dental practice. If you think you are busy now, imagine when you have hundreds of patients, a dental team, and supportive staff. Yes, you can delegate quite a bit to others, but there will be demands on your time that are not likely to go away anytime soon.

So, how can you manage your time while studying? Here’s a list of the five ways you can master this imperative skill.

1. Set Clear Goals and Simplify

You need to set goals and make sure that your goals are attainable. The key is to be specific about what you want, so that you can clearly identify the steps that will help you achieve it. If you have a practical test coming up, say you will spend 20 minutes every other day studying in this specific location with that peer every time.

Once you have goals, simplify everything. Remove the “fat” of extra distractions during your focused periods. Shut off your phone, turn off the TV, and give your mind the freedom to fully explore a topic or task.

2. Establish Habits

If you don’t have a habit, it’s challenging to be productive. That’s why you need to establish good habits in your daily routine. A habit is something that is repeated over a period of time. The more we do something, the more it becomes automatic and unconscious.

It’s human nature for us to form habits and make actions automatic so that we can focus on other things in our lives. By doing this, we become more productive because our mind is free from having to constantly think about what needs to be done next or what needs attention right now.Develop a solid routine where you always study for your dental work at a specific time of day and location. This ritual will signal to your brain that now is the time to focus.

3. Create a To-Do List

There are several different ways to create a to-do list, but they all serve the same purpose. They help you break tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces and prioritize them based on importance or urgency. If you have a lot of assignments due at once and don’t know where to start, creating a to-do list will help you get organized so that you can tackle each task individually.

It helps to use smartphone apps or physical calendars to give each task a due date so you know what to do next. Eliminating confusion is one of the key methods to improving your time management skills.

4. Tackle One Thing at a Time

It is important to set aside one task at a time and dedicate all your energy to completing it. This will help you stay focused and prevent distractions. To avoid multitasking, try setting a timer for each task you need to complete. When the timer goes off, move on to the next task on your list.

Many students are guilty of getting distracted by their phones while they study or do homework. If you find yourself constantly checking social media or text messages while studying, try turning off notifications on your phone so that these notifications aren’t distracting you from what you need to get done.

5. Take Breaks & Get Healthy

Taking breaks is a necessity for your productivity. When you take breaks, your body and mind get to rest without losing focus on the task at hand, which can be extremely important when working on something that requires serious concentration.

For example, if you’re studying for exams, taking regular breaks will help prevent eye strain—which can result in headaches if ignored for too long—and allow you to come back with fresh eyes and renewed energy.

Don’t forget to eat a well-balanced diet and get at least 20 minutes of exercise each day, even if it is a light walk around campus. You want your body to have the energy stores that allow you to focus on what needs to be done. This will help with procrastination, so your tasks do not build up and sabotage your time management efforts.

Bonus Tip: Join a Study Group

A great way to learn is by studying with others. It’s a lot easier to study if you have someone else there with you, helping you understand and remember what you’re learning. This is especially helpful with time management because it creates a social obligation around a designated task, placing a higher weight on something that should be a priority for your dental education.

Time Management is About Choices

At the end of the day, your time management skills are going to mainly depend on the choices you make. Even if you decide to create a schedule and eat a healthy diet, you still need stress relief. Going out to a movie when you should be studying may be okay every once and a while, but don’t forget the larger goal.

If you leverage your time management now, you will have more time for exciting things a little later on. Buckle down and develop these skills at this point in your career, and you will reap the benefits once you begin your dental practice.

About the Author

Karen Nunez was born in Valenzuela, Philippines. She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Centro Escolar University in Manila.

Karen currently is a practicing oral health care professional based in Alberta, Canada; and runs a website where she writes a slew of articles to empower internationally trained dentists to integrate into Canadian dentistry.

Read more of her blogs here.