Dentist's Overcome Exam Anxiety To Ace The NDEB Exams

Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) exam can be tough. This is especially true when you are juggling work, life, and the stress of restarting your dental career in Canada. If you’re feeling anxious, you’re not alone — and the good news is, there are ways to manage it effectively.

At Scholars Dental, we’ve supported hundreds of internationally trained dentists through their ACJ prep journey. And we’ve seen one truth again and again:

Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re not ready — it just means you care.

Here are 7 tips to help you reduce ACJ exam anxiety and perform at your best.

1. Understand That Anxiety Is Normal

First things first: feeling nervous is completely normal. The ACJ test is a high-stakes exam — and it's okay to feel pressure. What matters is how you respond to that pressure. Remind yourself that you're not the only one feeling this way, and that nerves don’t mean you’re unprepared.

2. Set a Clear, Organized Study Plan

Lack of structure is one of the biggest causes of stress. A clear, weekly study plan helps you stay on track and feel in control. At Scholars Dental, our online ACJ course provides structured study modules, focused tasks, ACJ mock exams and guided timelines — so you always know what to do next. The more clarity you have, the less space there is for worry.

3. Simulate Real Exam Conditions

Practicing under exam-like conditions is key. Use a timer, remove distractions, and try answering full case-based and radiographic questions just like the actual test. This builds efficiency and confidence while reducing fear of the unknown.

4. Practice Breathing and Grounding Techniques

Sometimes, anxiety peaks during the exam itself — especially with time pressure or unfamiliar images. One effective tool: breathing exercises.

Try this: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and breathe out for 4. Doing this a few times each day can help your body stay calm and focused when you feel stressed.

5. Reframe Negative Thoughts

It’s easy to fall into a cycle of “What if I fail?” But that thought doesn’t help your performance. Instead, reframe:

🧠 “I’ve been preparing.”

🧠 “I’ve improved a lot.”

🧠 “I’m doing my best — and that’s enough.”

Positive self-talk doesn’t just feel good — it directly impacts how your brain handles pressure.

6. Don’t Study Alone

Isolation increases anxiety. Being part of a community reminds you that others are facing the same challenges. Scholars Dental provides group discussions, live sessions, and access to instructors who have passed the ACJ. You are never alone on this journey.

7. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

The ACJ exam tests your judgment — and judgment improves with practice. Instead of aiming for perfection right away, track how you’re progressing week by week. Celebrate small wins. The key to success is consistency, not pressure.

Final Thoughts

Managing ACJ exam anxiety is not about getting rid of all stress. It’s about understanding it and working with it. You should show up prepared and calm.

You’ve already taken a big step by preparing for the ACJ. With the right mindset, tools, and support, you can face exam day with confidence.

🎓 Need help with your ACJ prep?

Explore our fully online, structured ACJ course — created by dentists who’ve walked the same path. Book a free consultation with us and ace your ACJ.

ACJ Excellence course Sep 2025 - 3 months

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