Are you getting ready to take the NBDE 2? If so, you might have wondered what are the best study materials to ace this exam. You might also have started your research on what study materials to use, and might even have an idea on the study materials available. One of which is the First Aid for the NBDE 2.

Many candidates are debating whether to use this book as a guide or to rely solely on it for the preparation. So, if you are in a similar situation, this article should help you with your decision.

A brief information about the NBDE Part 2

It is structured as a two-day computer based exam with 400 questions to be completed in seven hours on the first day and 100 case-based questions to be completed in three and a half hours on the second day. 80% of items are stand alone and 20% are interdisciplinary and case-based.

Main Focus of NBDE Part 2

Clinical and evidence based dentistry is the main focus of the exam and includes the following subjects:

  • Endodontics
  • Operative dentistry
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgery and pain control
  • Oral diagnosis
  • Orthodontics
  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Patient management
  • Periodontics
  • Pharmacology
  • Prosthodontics
  • Oral Radiology

Study material for NBDE Part 2

I personally used the First Aid for the NBDE part 2 for the preparation of this exam. This book served as my main study material. I have also written notes about information that I have gathered from other supplemental study materials on the pages of the book itself. This way, I could have only one book in hand where all my notes where stored for the last-minute preparation.

First Aid for the NBDE Part 2

The latest edition of the book contains:

  • Frequently tested knowledge and figures based on candidate experience
  • High-yield images, diagrams and tables
  • Key points and helpful mnemonics
  • A high-yield collection of glossy-colored photos similar to those on the actual
  • NBDE Part II exam.
  • Case Studies and NBDE-style questions

I think that this book is worthwhile for anyone studying for the boards. It may not be the comprehensive review that you need, but it solidifies concepts in a concise and helpful manner. This is not an exam that can be taken really lightly so you need to how much you need to study. This book covers the breadth of dentistry and the subjects tested in the exam.

supplementary books to study for the NBDE Part 2

Other international dentists from the community also think that it’s great for final review after you have gone through the Dental Decks, Mosby’s Review for the NBDE Part 2 and previous ADA-released examinations. Doing this will help you identify any type of deficiencies you will have in the subject areas.

In conclusion, it is advisable that you go through the First Aid for the NBDE Part 2 at least once. However, is an individual decision whether you want to use this book as a guide or rely solely on it. Your clinical experience and your prior dental knowledge are the factors you can use to decide how you would want to use this book.

Will you be using the First Aid in your NBDE 2 preparation? What other study materials are you considering? Share them with us by leaving a comment below!

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