NDEB AFK study guide
NDEB AFK · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK®) is one of the examinations in the NDEB Equivalency Process - the route for dentists who completed a dental degree at a university authorized by that country's government to award such degrees, where the program is not recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). The AFK is a knowledge examination, not a licence: it is one step toward NDEB certification, alongside the Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ®) and the NDECC®. Graduates of CDAC-accredited programs follow the separate Certification Process instead. The exam samples foundational knowledge across biomedical sciences; clinical dental sciences; and behavioural, social and public health sciences, delivered in multiple-choice format. The NDEB AFK study guide has 3 sections and about 1,034 words.
01Biomedical Sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Microbiology and Pharmacology in Dental Practice
Know the trigeminal nerve cold: V1 (ophthalmic) supplies the cornea and forehead, V2 the midface, upper teeth and palate, V3 the lower teeth, tongue (via lingual), and muscles of mastication (via mandibular division). The nerve to mylohyoid branches from the inferior alveolar nerve before the mandibular foramen, so a blocked IAN can spare the floor of the mouth.
368 words, about 2 min02Clinical Dental Sciences: Diagnosis and Treatment Decision-Making Across Disciplines
Every clinical item starts with a diagnosis. Differentiate reversible pulpitis (sharp, provoked, brief pain) from irreversible (spontaneous, lingering, nocturnal), and from symptomatic apical periodontitis (percussion-sensitive, vital or necrotic).
323 words, about 2 min03Behavioural, Social and Public Health Sciences: Behaviour, Communication and Population Oral Health
The exam expects familiarity with the Health Belief Model (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, self-efficacy), the Transtheoretical Model (precontemplation through maintenance, with relapse), and Motivational Interviewing (open questions, affirmation, reflection, summarising; rolling with resistance rather than arguing). The 5 A's - Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange - structure smoking cessation counselling.
343 words, about 2 min