Preparing for the dental hygiene board exam can be challenging, but with the right resources and a strategic approach, you can increase your chances of success.
All the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your dental hygiene program is valuable. The exam covers various subjects, including pharmacology, periodontology, community dentistry, and clinical theory.
Many students often inquire about my recommended study materials, and I’ve listed them below:
- Darby’s Comprehensive Review of Dental Hygiene Textbook (9th Edition) by Christine M. Blue: I recommend the 9th edition because it includes the updated AAP perio classifications. Purchasing a brand new book provides you an access code which will provide you with answer keys for the questions and lots of online mock exams.
- Case Study in Dental Hygiene (3rd Edition) by Evelyn M. Thomson: Although this book does not have the updated AAP classifications, it’s an excellent resource. It includes numerous case studies with radiographs, intraoral photos, and perio assessments. The questions in this book promote critical thinking skills, a crucial asset for success in the exam.
- Board Exam Tests: I strongly recommend purchasing practice tests from your national board exam website. For instance, in Canada, there are preparatory tests available: https://www.fdhrc.ca/pages/ndhce/exam-prep/prep/
Aim to score 80% or higher on each of these practice tests to boost your confidence before the actual board exam. Achieving scores above 80% on these tests often indicates you are well-prepared for the real exam. - Dental Hygiene Made Easy Courses: I also offer courses three times a year where I review board exam questions from the resources mentioned above. Feel free to visit my website or follow me on Instagram (@dentalhygienemadeeasy) to stay updated about upcoming courses.
- YouTube Videos by Dental Hygiene Made Easy: I have created a YouTube playlist where I review important subjects that you need to know for the board exam. The subjects include perio, pharm, head and neck, clinic theory (ADPIE), radiology, and more! You can find the playlist here:
I wish you the best of luck in your exam preparations. Remember to create a well-structured study schedule, take regular breaks, establish an organized study environment, consider forming study groups, and most importantly, practice as many questions as possible. The more questions you practice, the better you’ll get at test-taking. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. 😊
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