A Note from Me, Dr. Sehar—You’re Not Alone If Critical Thinking Feels Intimidating

Hello, my future dental professional.

If you’re preparing for the ADAT, and you’re worried about the Critical Thinking section—especially as someone who didn’t study in the U.S.—I want you to know something very important:

You’re not behind. You’re just not trained for this kind of exam yet.

I’ve coached so many international dentists through this exact challenge. Most are brilliant clinicians, sharp learners—but the logic-based, U.S.-style reasoning feels foreign.And that’s why I wrote this blog—because we can train for this. And I’ll show you exactly how we do it at Dentabest.

What Makes the Critical Thinking Section So Unique (and Difficult)

It’s Not Just About Dental Knowledge

This section doesn’t care how many diseases you’ve memorized. It’s designed to see how you process information under time pressure. Think of it like a test of how your brain works—not what it knows.

Cultural and Academic Gaps Matter

Many international students were trained to focus on accuracy and memorization—not analytical reasoning. So when the ADAT asks questions like “Which argument is stronger?” or “What assumption weakens this conclusion?”, it can feel completely unfamiliar.

But trust me—it’s learnable.

Common Mistakes I See International Students Make in This Section

Over-Reliance on Memorized Facts

Students assume every section of the ADAT will be clinical or textbook-based. But Critical Thinking isn’t. Memorization doesn’t help here—thinking clearly does.

Misinterpreting U.S.-Style Reasoning

This section uses specific language: “Which of the following most strengthens the claim…” That’s not how questions are worded in many non-U.S. exams, so students often misunderstand the task.

Skipping Practice Entirely

Because it’s “non-dental,” students avoid it during prep. But it’s 25% of your ADAT score. At Dentabest, we treat it as essential—and train for it with strategy.

What the ADAT Really Wants You to Show in This Section

Recognizing Logical Structures

Which claim is the conclusion? What’s the supporting evidence? You need to quickly break a paragraph down into its logical pieces.

Evaluating Evidence and Assumptions

Can you tell what’s missing? What would strengthen or weaken the argument? This is where we apply clinical-like logic to non-clinical content.

Making Sound, Defendable Judgments

You’ll often be asked to choose between multiple “reasonable” answers. Your job is to pick the best justified one—and that takes practice.

My Top 5 Teaching Strategies for This Section (No U.S. Degree Needed!)

Here’s what I do with every ADAT student who joins my program:

1. Start With Familiar Scenarios, Not Dental Texts

We begin with logic games and real-life scenarios (like court cases or newspaper claims) before jumping into ADAT content. This builds foundational reasoning strength.

2. Break Down Practice Questions With a Logic Map

I teach students how to diagram arguments—visually mapping out claims, premises, and assumptions. Once you “see” the logic, you stop guessing.

3. Use Thought Journals to Track Reasoning Errors

Each time you miss a question, we note why. Was it misreading? False assumption? This pattern recognition is how you grow fast.

4. Train With Mixed Discipline Case-Based Questions

We use questions that blend clinical and critical thinking. For example: “What assumption would MOST WEAKEN the dentist’s recommendation?” That’s reasoning applied to familiar contexts.

5. Practice With Me—Live Feedback Makes the Difference

In our one-on-one sessions, I stop and ask you: “What made you choose that?” Together, we refine your process—so every question gets easier.

How We Tackle This Section at Dentabest—Together

One-on-One Coaching That Builds Reasoning Muscle

This isn’t something you learn by reading a book. We talk it out, we analyze, we practice together. That’s how I’ve helped so many students go from scared to skilled.

Specialized ADAT Mock Exams Focused on Critical Thinking

We’ve created practice sets just for this section—timed, structured, and fully explained. Every mock is followed by deep analysis.

Your First Orientation Call Is Free

During our free 30-minute session, I’ll evaluate your current logic skills and give you an action plan—even if you’re unsure where to begin.

Final Words From Me: Don’t Fear This Section—Train for It

If you’ve felt frustrated or defeated by this part of the ADAT, please hear me:

You’re not the problem. The system just expects skills you weren’t taught.

But together, we can build those skills—step by step, with the right strategy, in a supportive space where you can ask questions, make mistakes, and grow.

Let’s take the fear out of this section—and replace it with focus.With belief in your success,
Dr. Sehar
Director & CEO of Dentabest INC.

FAQs About the ADAT Critical Thinking Section and Dentabest Coaching