100+ Free NDEB AFK Practice Questions

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Which pair of organisms is most strongly implicated in chronic and aggressive periodontitis as part of the 'red complex' or aggressive periodontitis flora?

Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mitis

Candida albicans and Lactobacillus acidophilus

Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Neisseria and Veillonella species

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Sample NDEB AFK Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NDEB AFK exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During an inferior alveolar nerve block, the needle is advanced toward the mandibular foramen. Which bony landmark, palpated intraorally, helps the operator establish the height of injection on the medial ramus?

A.External oblique ridge

B.Coronoid notch

C.Mylohyoid line

D.Genial tubercles

Explanation: The coronoid notch (the greatest concavity on the anterior border of the ramus) is palpated to establish the anteroposterior and vertical reference; the needle enters about 1 cm above the occlusal plane, roughly at the level of the coronoid notch, to reach the mandibular foramen.

2A patient cannot wrinkle the skin of the forehead and cannot close the right eye fully after a parotid tumor resection. Which cranial nerve was most likely injured?

A.Trigeminal (V)

B.Facial (VII)

C.Glossopharyngeal (IX)

D.Hypoglossal (XII)

Explanation: The facial nerve (VII) supplies the muscles of facial expression, including frontalis (forehead wrinkling) and orbicularis oculi (eye closure). It passes through the parotid gland, so parotid surgery places it at risk.

3Infection from a mandibular second molar spreads lingually below the attachment of the mylohyoid muscle. Into which fascial space will the infection most likely drain?

A.Sublingual space

B.Submandibular space

C.Buccal space

D.Canine space

Explanation: The roots of the mandibular second and third molars typically lie below the mylohyoid line, so a lingual perforation directs pus into the submandibular space. Roots above the mylohyoid line (e.g., premolars, first molar) drain into the sublingual space.

4Which artery is the principal blood supply to the maxillary posterior teeth and is a branch most commonly encountered during a tuberosity surgical approach?

A.Greater palatine artery

B.Posterior superior alveolar artery

C.Inferior alveolar artery

D.Lingual artery

Explanation: The posterior superior alveolar artery, a branch of the maxillary artery, supplies the maxillary molars and adjacent buccal gingiva, and is at risk during procedures in the tuberosity region.

5The pterygomandibular raphe serves as a common origin/insertion for which two muscles?

A.Masseter and temporalis

B.Buccinator and superior pharyngeal constrictor

C.Mylohyoid and digastric

D.Medial and lateral pterygoid

Explanation: The pterygomandibular raphe is a tendinous band between the pterygoid hamulus and the mylohyoid line that gives attachment anteriorly to the buccinator and posteriorly to the superior pharyngeal constrictor.

6Parasympathetic secretomotor fibers to the submandibular and sublingual glands are carried to the gland by which nerve after synapsing in the submandibular ganglion?

A.Chorda tympani alone

B.Lingual nerve

C.Greater petrosal nerve

D.Auriculotemporal nerve

Explanation: Preganglionic fibers travel via the chorda tympani, join the lingual nerve, and synapse in the submandibular ganglion; postganglionic secretomotor fibers are distributed to the glands along the lingual nerve.

7Which paranasal sinus is most frequently involved in odontogenic infections and is closely related to the roots of the maxillary molars?

A.Frontal sinus

B.Maxillary sinus

C.Sphenoid sinus

D.Ethmoid air cells

Explanation: The maxillary sinus (antrum of Highmore) lies directly above the maxillary posterior teeth; thin or absent bone over the molar/premolar roots makes it the sinus most often affected by odontogenic infection and the one at risk for oroantral communication.

8Damage to the lingual nerve during third molar surgery would most likely cause which deficit?

A.Paralysis of the ipsilateral tongue musculature

B.Loss of general sensation and taste to the anterior two-thirds of the ipsilateral tongue

C.Loss of sensation to the lower lip and chin

D.Loss of taste to the posterior third of the tongue

Explanation: The lingual nerve carries general sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue; the chorda tympani fibers traveling with it carry taste from the same region. Both are affected if the nerve is injured.

9Which muscle is primarily responsible for protrusion of the mandible and is the only muscle of mastication that depresses (opens) the jaw when acting bilaterally?

A.Masseter

B.Temporalis

C.Lateral pterygoid

D.Medial pterygoid

Explanation: The lateral pterygoid, particularly its inferior head, pulls the condyle and articular disc forward, producing protrusion; acting bilaterally it assists in opening the jaw. Unilateral action causes contralateral deviation.

10Within the cavernous sinus, which structure passes through the body of the sinus rather than its lateral wall?

A.Oculomotor nerve (III)

B.Internal carotid artery

C.Trochlear nerve (IV)

D.Ophthalmic division of trigeminal (V1)

Explanation: The internal carotid artery and the abducens nerve (VI) run through the body of the cavernous sinus, while cranial nerves III, IV, V1, and V2 travel in its lateral wall. This proximity explains why dental/facial infections spreading to the cavernous sinus are dangerous.

About the NDEB AFK Exam

The AFK is the first examination in the NDEB Equivalency Process for internationally trained dentists seeking to practise in Canada. It tests biomedical and applied clinical science knowledge with 200 single-answer multiple-choice questions delivered in two parts, with two hours allotted per part. A passing grade is required before continuing to the ACJ and NDECC.

Assessment

200 single-answer multiple-choice questions delivered in two parts, covering biomedical and applied clinical sciences.

Time Limit

2 hours per part (4 hours total)

Passing Score

Test-equated, re-scaled score of 75 or greater is a Pass; the NDEB maintains a standardized passing score of 75 on all examinations.

Exam Fee

CAD $1,000 (effective July 1, 2025; subject to change), plus a one-time application fee. (National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB))

NDEB AFK Exam Content Outline

11%

Anatomical Sciences

Head and neck anatomy, cranial nerves, fascial spaces of infection, vascular supply, and TMJ/muscles of mastication relevant to dental practice.

12%

Physiology

Cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, and neuromuscular physiology, including acid-base balance and salivary function.

Biochemistry and Nutrition

Metabolism, enzymes, vitamins and deficiencies, fluoride/mineralization chemistry, and lipoprotein transport.

Dental Anatomy and Occlusion

Tooth and root morphology, eruption sequence, FDI notation, and Angle classification and occlusal curves.

Oral Histology and Embryology

Tooth development, enamel/dentin/cementum and pulp histology, periodontium, and epithelial rests.

10%

Microbiology and Immunology

Oral flora, caries and periodontal pathogens, immune responses and hypersensitivity, and infection control/sterilization.

14%

General and Oral Pathology

Cysts and odontogenic tumors, mucosal and white lesions, oral cancer, pulpal/periapical disease, and systemic disease manifestations.

Dental Materials

Resin composite, amalgam, glass ionomer, impression materials, adhesion/etching, and mechanical and biocompatibility properties.

14%

Pharmacology

Local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors, analgesics, antibiotics, anticoagulants, sedation, drug interactions, and emergency drugs.

Preventive and Community Dentistry

Fluoride and water fluoridation, sealants, caries indices/epidemiology, evidence-based dentistry, and biostatistics.

How to Pass the NDEB AFK Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Test-equated, re-scaled score of 75 or greater is a Pass; the NDEB maintains a standardized passing score of 75 on all examinations.
Assessment: 200 single-answer multiple-choice questions delivered in two parts, covering biomedical and applied clinical sciences.
Time limit: 2 hours per part (4 hours total)
Exam fee: CAD $1,000 (effective July 1, 2025; subject to change), plus a one-time application fee.

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NDEB AFK Study Tips from Top Performers

1Download the current NDEB AFK Protocol and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) document, and cross-reference international review materials with Canadian guidelines such as Health Canada's optimal 0.7 ppm water fluoride level.

2Pathology and pharmacology together make up a large share of items, so prioritize oral lesions, cysts/tumors, local anesthetics, antibiotics, and drug interactions while still covering all biomedical subdisciplines.

3Practise applied, vignette-style single-best-answer questions under timed conditions (two 2-hour blocks) to build the clinical-reasoning speed the AFK demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NDEB AFK and how long is it?

The AFK consists of 200 single-answer multiple-choice questions delivered in two parts, with 2 hours allotted per part (about 4 hours of testing total).

What score do I need to pass the AFK?

A test-equated, re-scaled score of 75 or greater is reported as a Pass. The NDEB uses a standard-setting and equating process and maintains a standardized passing score of 75 on all examinations.

How much does the AFK cost in 2026 and who administers it?

Effective July 1, 2025, the AFK fee is CAD $1,000 (subject to change), plus a one-time application fee. It is administered electronically through Prometric test centres, with a booklet format at select exam sites.

How many times can I take the AFK?

Candidates can attempt the AFK a maximum of three times. The AFK is the first exam in the NDEB Equivalency Process, before the ACJ and NDECC.