Intense studying is essential for preparing for the Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) exam. Whether you cram a few months before, use trial and error, or take a prep course to delve into periodontics, endodontics, and restorative dentistry, finding the right approach is crucial.
- Practice Extensively: the ACJ is a 5.5-hour test with 120-150 multiple-choice questions assessing clinical knowledge and decision-making skills through case-based scenarios. It has two sections: the first focuses on diagnosing and drawing conclusions from dental charts, case histories, and photographs, while the second tests knowledge in oral radiology and radiographic interpretation. Extensive practice is key to success. ACJ instructors emphasize the importance of familiarity with X-rays, as each one can differ significantly. Practicing with numerous X-rays helps candidates develop a systematic approach to analyzing them, enhancing their ability to diagnose conditions like caries, bone loss, periodontal disease, or infections.
- Follow a Balanced Approach: to pass the ACJ, you need the right tools and strategies. When faced with an x-ray and multiple answer options, focus on analyzing each x-ray individually and compare the answer choices to determine the most accurate ones. Avoid stressing about being too conservative or too aggressive in your choices; instead, make decisions based on clarity and certainty.
- The ACJ Exam is Not an Open Battlefield: the ACJ exam often includes questions with multiple correct answers, which can be subjective and challenging. Dr. Khalid advises not to worry about the stress of selecting a specific number of answers. Instead, view the exam as a finite set of questions and focus on understanding the structure of patient cases and x-rays.
- Understand the Basics and Focus and Prioritize: while the AFK exam requires extensive knowledge, the ACJ exam emphasizes basic concepts. Approach different diseases, medical conditions, and patient care aspects from various perspectives.
