Prep Doctors and Scholars Dental Alternatives for the AFK (2026)
Looking for an alternative to Prep Doctors or Scholars Dental? You do not need to spend thousands of dollars to prepare well for the AFK. Here is how the options compare, starting with the one that gives you the most for the least.
By the Socket Science editorial team · Reviewed by a qualified dentist
Independent resource. DentistUP is not affiliated with or endorsed by any examination authority. Always check the official exam body for current format, dates and eligibility. Educational content, not patient-specific clinical advice.
1. DentistUP
DentistUP is a complete AFK study system in one app: learn each topic from an illustrated lesson, test it straight away, fix every gap in the Review Pool, and measure your readiness with full mock exams. Choose AFK during setup and the app adapts to it. You can start free in every branch, and a full year of Pro costs less than many courses charge for a few weeks.
- 263 illustrated topic lessons across 29 branches
- 10,000+ questions, with three 10-question tests for every topic
- Full 100-question mock exams, also as 50-question halves
- Adapts to your exam: mock exams, study plan and exam info built around it
- Visual Atlas of 260+ anatomy diagrams, clinical illustrations and charts
- Review Pool that brings back every missed or guessed question
- AI explanations for any question, Clinical Cases and Visual Cases
- Study anywhere on iOS and Android, at your own pace
US$29.99
per month
US$64.99
per 3 months
US$124.99
per year
Free lesson and test in every branch, free Review Pool and a free full mock exam. Local store prices may include regional taxes. See pricing.
Price check
A structured AFK course costs over 30 times more than a full year of DentistUP Pro.
- DentistUP Pro: US$124.99 for a full year, or start free
- Prep Doctors: CA$6,900 to CA$7,250
- Scholars Dental: C$6,500 to C$9,200 (listed sale prices)
Competitor prices as listed on their websites on 28 September 2026, in their own currencies. Prices change; always confirm before buying.
Why candidates choose DentistUP for the AFK
- Built around the AFK. Select AFK and the app sets up your mock exams, study plan and countdown around the exam's structure.
- Learn, then test immediately. Every one of 263 topics has an illustrated lesson followed by three 10-question tests, so gaps show up the same day.
- Nothing slips through. Every wrong or guessed answer goes into the Review Pool until you get it right with confidence.
- See the anatomy. 260+ diagrams and charts sit inside the lessons, under explanations and in the Visual Atlas.
- Study on your schedule. No fixed class times: work on your phone around your job, family or time zone.
- Pay a fraction of the price. Start free, then go Pro from US$29.99 a month.
All AFK options at a glance
| Option | Type | Listed price |
|---|---|---|
| DentistUP | Lessons + question bank + mocks, adapts to your exam | Free to start · Pro US$29.99/month, $64.99/3 months or $124.99/year |
| Prep Doctors | Structured course | CA$6,900 online, CA$7,250 on-site |
| Scholars Dental | Structured course | Listed sale prices C$6,500 to C$9,200 |
| ITD Online | Video course | US$159 one-time |
| ConfiDentist | Courses and mock tests | Not listed publicly |
Competitor details as listed on their websites on 28 September 2026. Prices and inclusions change often.
Other options
2. Prep Doctors
Structured course · Live lectures, on-site in Canada or online · CA$6,900 online, CA$7,250 on-site
Six-month live programme with textbooks and mock exams.
3. Scholars Dental
Structured course · Recorded lectures with live Q&A · Listed sale prices C$6,500 to C$9,200
Long recorded lecture series with printed textbooks; 5–6 or 8–9 month paths.
4. ITD Online
Video course · Online, self-paced · US$159 one-time
Low-cost video lessons with mock tests.
5. ConfiDentist
Courses and mock tests · Toronto-based, full or subject-based · Not listed publicly
Focused on full-day AFK mock exams.
Free official resources
Alongside any option, use NDEB's free materials on its exam resources page: the AFK protocol, reference text list and released question bank.
Which option is right for you?
If you can study independently, DentistUP gives you lessons, questions, mock exams and a plan built around the AFK for a fraction of the cost of a course. Candidates who specifically want a teacher setting the pace in live classes may still choose a structured course, and many of them use DentistUP alongside it for daily question practice.
The easiest way to decide is to try it: take the free 100-question AFK mock on this site, then download DentistUP and start with the free lesson and test in your weakest branch.
Disclosure: DentistUP is made by Socket Science. Details of other providers are taken from their own websites on 28 September 2026. We have no affiliation with any provider listed, and their names are trademarks of their respective owners.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Prep Doctors or Scholars Dental for the AFK?+
For self-directed candidates, DentistUP is a strong alternative: it combines illustrated lessons for 263 topics, 10,000+ questions, full mock exams and a Review Pool in one app, adapts to the AFK when you select it, and starts free. A full year of Pro is listed at US$124.99.
How much cheaper is DentistUP than an AFK course?+
As listed on 28 September 2026, Prep Doctors charges CA$6,900 to CA$7,250 and Scholars Dental C$6,500 to C$9,200. A year of DentistUP Pro is US$124.99, and you can start free.
Does DentistUP adapt to the AFK?+
Yes. Choose AFK during setup and DentistUP applies an AFK exam profile, built with AI-assisted analysis of the exam's published format, to your mock exams, study plan, countdown and exam information.
Can I try DentistUP before paying?+
Yes. The first lesson and test in every branch, the Review Pool and a full 100-question mock exam are free in the app, and there is a free 100-question AFK mock on this website.
Does NDEB recommend any AFK prep provider?+
No. NDEB publishes its own free resources, including the AFK protocol, a reference text list and a released question bank, and does not endorse third-party courses.
Free practice
DentistUP is an independent educational platform. Socket Science is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or approved by NDEB, INBDE, JCNDE, ADA, GDC, ORE, ADC, or any other examination authority. DentistUP does not contain official or recalled examination questions and does not guarantee examination outcomes.