Idiot's guide to NBDE-I

[Rafael Costa Guerra]

I'm a foreign trained dentist (graduated in 97) taking the National Board part I this December, so I need the ultimate idiot's guide for this type of test, test format, content, etc...

I need to know from you if the Kaplan self-study program (book-video-computer based mock tests) is a good way to go.
<a href="http://www.kaplan.com" target="_blank">www.kaplan.com</a> (go to dental, then NBDE-I)

For 500 bucks (price of the class + 90 days access to computer based tests) you can buy the old books (principle of basic sciences applied to Dentistry or something like that) from 1980, PLUS the Deck ( <a href="http://www.deckscorp.com/index.php?page=pdental" target="_blank">http://www.deckscorp.com/index.php?page=pdental</a> ) PLUS some past issues of the test and still have some change for a pepsi or two for when the test is over.

Is this Kaplan class (and reading material provided) the way to go?

Also, How hard is the test? 30% passing, 99% passing, how does it work?

Thank you for any feedback,

Rafael C. Guerra

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Rafael Costa Guerra]

WOW, anybody? Please help...

Rafael Guerra

 

[diente]

Hello Rafael,
I don't personally know about this particular Kaplan course, but I do have experience with the Kaplan DAT course. I decided to save money and just use the Kaplan material and did just fine. My friends who did take the class, didn't think it was that helpful; they mainly just used the books and practice tests. Hope that helps.

 

[Molarman]

Check out <a href="http://www.ada.org/prof/prac/licensure/lic-natbd.html" target="_blank">http://www.ada.org/prof/prac/licensure/lic-natbd.html</a>

This should answer almost every question you have.
The specific question breakdown is in the application booklet.

 

[Rafael Costa Guerra]

Thank you for your time.

Molarman: From the ADA site:

"Released Examinations: The Joint Commission has periodically released National Board Examinations or samples of the Examinations in order to familiarize candidates with test item format. However, the Joint Commission recommends that candidates use textbooks and lecture notes as their primary sources of study material."

We know that that's not accurate and there are more specific ways to (not learn, but prepare yourself) approach these tests.

Once again, thank you for your time.

Rafael C. Guerra

 

[dr_lecter]

I found the KAPLAN Nbde part-1 study notes quite useful. And, of course the question bank that they have in their centers for the individual subjects seemed good enough. I would just pass off the three videos that they have ( nothing special about it).

 

[Yah-E]

Rafael,

I'll be a first year dental student this upcoming August, although I do not take the NBDE part I until 2004 (after my 2nd year of pre-doctoral dental education), I have much info and have done much research about the National Board Dental Examination Part I and II. From all the current dental students that I have referenced with, they all have told me that the biggest, the most useful/effective NBDE studying tools are the following in no particular order:

1) Dental Decks
2) Kaplan Studying Materials
3) Past actual published NBDEs from ASDA

Numerous dental students who have already taken NBDE Part I have told me that by using the Dental Deck itself for studies will be suffice to guarantee a 85% passing rate! I was skeptical until I bought a set of 2001 NBDE Part I Dental Deck and saw it for myself how detailed and easy the flashcards are!

As for the Kaplan Studying Materials, basically you're paying to have access to their NBDE question bank for practice and more effective reference to prepare you for the exam.

When I am about to embark on the NBDE Part I in 2004, I plan on using the Dental Decks as my main studying source and old ASDA published NBDE exams and Kaplan Materials for questionaire practice.

To answer your NBDE passing rate question; you must get an average overall score of 75/100 in all 4 sub-sections (Pathology/Microbiology, Dental Anatomy/Occlusion, Biochemistry/Physiology, and Anatomical Sciences) to pass Part I to earn full credit. Partial credit is can be given if an average overall score is 75, but a less than 75 is scored in one or more sub-sections.

Good luck, go with the Dental Decks!

 

[Rafael Costa Guerra]

Thank you very much Yah-E. Feel free to keep my e-mail since I'm in Florida. Maybe I can help you with something.

Once again, thank you,

Take care,

Rafael

 

[Molarman]

Just for reference, the rumor going through my school is that only 2% of ALL students who take the test fail. The big question is the score, as most residencies like scores over 90.

 

[Rafael Costa Guerra]

Thank you Molarman, that's good to know!

Rafael C. Guerra