Robert:
Please let me be of help! Kaplan book is simply another resource to use to study for Part 1.
1. Q: Can I use this book alone and do well on Part 1?
A: No, there are sections in this review book that are extremely informative and resourceful such as Microbiology, Sterilization, Dental Anatomy, etc., but there are also sections in this book that are not well summarized such as Biochem, Physio, and Pathology. My advice to purchase the book are the following:
1) you have extra $$ to spend
2) you simply want more studying tools
3) you will have at least 6 weeks to study for the Part 1
If you don't fit in the any of the above categories, then I wouldn't get it.
2. Q: Is USMLE First Aid better or worse than the Kaplan Review book?
A: USMLE First Aid is MUCH better than the Kaplan NBDE Part 1 book. It has more mnemonics, tables, figures, diagrams, and summaries.
3. Q: Is $500 a waste of money for this Kaplan book?
A: No, if you are willing to spend that extra money to purchase another decent summarized studying tool to better prep you for Part 1, then it's never waste of money. After using this Kaplan book, I've read information in it that I did not see on the Dental Decks and USMLE First Aid. Again, this book is meant to be an additional resource. The resale value of this book is pretty good too. If this book can help you know the answer to ONE question on the NBDE Part 1 exam, then that one additional correct answer can very possible differentiate you from a lower standardize score to the next score up. Every question answered correct counts, especially in the Micro/Patho section. Never hurts to have another resource (if any of the categories fit you in answer to question 1).
4. Q: Would you recommend this Kaplan book to use to study for Part 1?
A: Yes, if you fit in any of the categories listed in the answer for question 1. No, if you don't fit in any of the categories listed in the answer for question 1.
5. Q: Does it matter what edition of the Kaplan NBDE Part 1 book I purchase?
A: Yes, recent editions (2001-2003) are more updated with corrections and additions. Older editions are divided into two separate books while the recent edition is simply just one thick one.
6. Q: Where can I purchase this book?
A:
1) from upper classmen at your dental school
2) from Kaplan online ($500 for US dental students and $1000 for International students)
3) from SDN members whom have already taken the Part 1 board
4) from Ebay (although it has been regulated lately due to DO NOT RESALE policy by Kaplan)
7: Q: How much does this book cost?
A: It ranges from $500 (new) to $80 (used). The cheaper price range is usually for used older editions with a bunch of writing in the book(s). For an used newer editions (2001-2003), I've seen the prices hovering around $300.
8. Q: How would you compare the effectiveness of this book with the effetiveness of USMLE First Aid and Dental Decks?
A:
1st - Dental Decks
2nd - USMLE First Aid
3rd - Kaplan NBDE Part 1
9. Q: Why did you use this book for your Part 1 studies?
A: I used the Kaplan DAT review book and I did well on it (20/23). I like Kaplan's format of summarizing information, it's high yield in certain sections. I've heard positive things about it from upper classmen who did well on the Part 1 exam that have used it.
10. Q: What is/are negative(s) about this book?
A: You can not highlight the book because the pages are toilet paper thin. You highlight one side and the ink goes right through the other side. Certain sections are poorly organized, not as thorough and detailed. It can be expensive. It's bulky. It's a lot of reading.
