The Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) isn’t just about dental facts—it’s about how you read, interpret, and apply that knowledge. Reading comprehension sections often present clinical vignettes, journal excerpts, or ethical dilemmas. You’re required to assess and respond to these just like a Canadian-trained dentist would.
Strong comprehension means better judgment and clinical reasoning, a skill the NDEB emphasizes throughout the dental equivalency process.
AFK passages reflect real-world Canadian dental practice. You’ll encounter:
Being unfamiliar with these nuances can slow down even the most knowledgeable test takers. That’s why targeted reading training is critical for international dentists.
AFK reading sections often involve:
Each question type calls for a slightly different reading approach, and mastering all of them is crucial for scoring high.
AFK passages can be dense and wordy. Without proper pacing, many candidates spend too much time reading and rush through answering—losing valuable marks.
Understanding dental jargon in context is challenging. Terms like “marginal ridge,” “operculum,” or “hypocalcification” may confuse if you’re unfamiliar with Canadian phrasing.
Even fluent English speakers might miss subtle cues in culturally rooted passages. That’s why structured, guided reading prep is vital—especially for internationally trained professionals.
Skimming helps identify the main idea. Scanning helps locate precise data. Use both techniques to navigate passages faster and more efficiently.
Highlight definitions, shifts in tone, and contrast words (however, therefore, but). These cues often hold the key to the correct answer.
Familiarize yourself with frequently tested terms like:
Apps like Anki or Quizlet are great, but real improvement comes from contextual learning. Practice reading actual dental passages using this terminology in context.
The best sources include:
Focus not just on why an answer is right, but why the others are wrong. Build an error log and revisit tricky concepts weekly.
Aim to read 250 words per minute with full understanding. This helps complete all sections with time to review.
Plan:
Practice under real exam conditions to train your pacing.
Identify tone, bias, and logical flow. Questions often ask:
“What does the author most likely believe about…?”
Never assume—only rely on what’s directly stated or strongly implied. This mindset is key to avoiding trap answers.
Start with abstracts, move to full articles. Pay close attention to study designs and result interpretation.
Use a structured approach:
We offer personalized one-on-one sessions specifically focused on AFK reading comprehension and overall test prep—tailored for international dentists.
Your instructor, Dr. Sehar, is a highly experienced and supportive mentor who has helped hundreds of candidates navigate the Canadian dental equivalency process. Her deep understanding of the exam and personalized feedback help students avoid common pitfalls and improve dramatically.
Before enrolling, every student gets a complimentary one-on-one session with Dr. Sehar. In this session, you can:
Visit Dentabest.com to claim your free session and start your journey toward success.
Typically, 20–30 questions are comprehension-based, particularly in clinical and ethics sections.
Yes, the digital format allows flagging and revisiting questions during the exam window.
Not entirely. It helps, but focused reading training is essential—especially with Canadian terminology.
Most are 200–400 words, followed by 3–5 questions.
No, but many students benefit significantly from expert guidance—especially when time and success are critical.
Reading comprehension isn’t just an AFK section—it’s a clinical thinking skill you’ll use throughout your career. By training smartly, managing your time, and working with the right tutor, you’ll move from anxious reader to confident candidate.
Book your free orientation with Dr. Sehar and get one step closer to your AFK goals.
