What is the iNBDE Exam?

NBDE stands for National Board Dental Examination; it is the exam dental graduates must pass to practice in the US. The exam is also used as a competency mark for students wishing to enter US universities to study particular dental specialities. Lastly, dental students who have finished the degree outside of the US must also take the NBDE Exam in order to earn admission into advanced standing programs in US dental schools. Although the NBDE is the main pathway for US licensure, a minority of students are eligible to take other routes:

• Post-Graduate Year Residency - this is an in-house course which takes a year's practical training.
  
• Canadian Examination - Non-Patient-Based OSCE - part of a course which involves objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).
  
• Hybrid Portfolio - an in-house exam mainly based in California, the hybrid portfolio is a school-based licensure exam that allows them to build a portfolio of completed clinical experiences and competency exams.
  

What is a DENTPIN?

The DENTPIN is a unique personal identifier for applicants and students involved with the US dental education system and standardized testing programs; it is a requirement that every student who sits the NBDE has one.

How is the iNBDE structured? 

The INBDE consists of two parts: a written exam and a clinical simulation exam. The written exam covers a range of dental topics, including dental anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and oral and maxillofacial radiology. The clinical simulation exam consists of a series of simulated patient cases in which candidates must demonstrate their ability to diagnose and treat dental conditions.

How long is the iNBDE exam, and how is it scored? 

The INBDE is approximately 12.5 hours long, spread over two days. The exam is scored on a pass/fail basis, with a standardized passing score established by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). Candidates do not receive a numerical score.

How do I qualify to take the iNBDE? 

To qualify to take the INBDE, you must have graduated from a dental education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and be a candidate for licensure as a dentist in the United States.

How do I apply to take the iNBDE? 

You can apply to take the INBDE online through the NBDE website. You will need to submit an application and pay a fee to cover the cost of the exam.

How often is the iNBDE offered? 

The INBDE is typically offered several times per year at testing centers throughout the United States. You can check the NBDE website for specific dates and locations.

What happens if I fail the iNBDE? 

If you fail the INBDE, you will be given the opportunity to re-take the exam. You will need to pay a re-sit fee and may be required to complete additional continuing education (CE) activities before you can re-take the exam.

How can I prepare for the INBDE? 

Preparation for the INBDE involves a comprehensive review of biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences. Candidates should use recommended study materials, including textbooks, review courses, and practice questions. Creating a study schedule, joining study groups, and practicing time management during mock exams are also effective strategies.

What is the pass rate for the NBDE exam? 

The pass rate for the NBDE exam varies from year to year and can depend on a variety of factors, including the difficulty of the exam and the preparation of the test takers. The JCNDE does not release pass rates for the NBDE exam.