Hi, this is Dr. Sehar—and today, I’d like to flip the script.
If you’ve been prepping for the INBDE using flashcards, review books, and endless practice questions, you’re not alone.
But here’s my question:
What if the INBDE isn’t just an exam… but a problem-solving framework?
What if instead of “prepping for questions,” you trained yourself to approach each case with the same mindset a dentist uses to design a treatment plan, communication flow, and ethical decision—all in one?
That mindset has a name. It’s called Design Thinking—and it could transform your INBDE prep journey.
Design Thinking is a human-centered framework used by:
It follows five iterative stages:
Sound familiar? That’s exactly what high-level INBDE questions want you to do—with a patient case, not a product.
Each INBDE question—especially the integrated cases—is essentially asking:
In my INBDE coaching at Dentabest, I show students how this mindset helps them:
Scenario:
A 10-year-old presents with pain on biting in the lower right quadrant. Radiograph shows an open apex with carious involvement near the pulp. What’s the most appropriate next step?
Design Thinking Lens:
| Stage | INBDE Application |
|---|---|
| Empathize | Young patient → fear, limited understanding |
| Define | Not just caries → it’s about apex closure and tooth preservation |
| Ideate | Explore options: Pulpotomy? Apexification? Monitor? |
| Prototype | Choose one most aligned with guidelines |
| Test | Will this support growth, reduce risk, and align with parental involvement? |
Answer: A pulpotomy may emerge as the best fit—not because you memorized it, but because you designed the answer through reasoning.
If you’re an international dentist, you already know how to treat patients.
But sometimes, rigid memorization doesn’t translate to adaptive problem-solving.
Design Thinking gives you:
At Dentabest, I use:
The goal?
To make your brain as agile and patient-focused as your clinical hand.
Not at all. It’s simply structured reasoning with a human focus—something every dentist already does!
Yes. A structured process helps reduce second-guessing and confusion during the exam.
Absolutely. I coach you not just to pass—but to solve, communicate, and think like a practicing clinician.
The INBDE is more than a hurdle.
It’s a mirror of how you’ll think as a US dentist.
At Dentabest, I offer 30-minute FREE orientation sessions to help you explore new prep frameworks—whether you’re tackling the INBDE, ADAT, or AFK.
Book your free session now at www.dentabest.com and let’s redesign how you learn—with clarity, confidence, and care.
With curiosity and creativity,
Dr. Sehar
INBDE/ADAT/AFK Educator
