Your Guide to the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
What are the NBDE and INBDE?
The National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) are standardized exams required for dental licensure in the United States. These exams assess the competency of dental professionals to ensure safe and effective patient care.
The INBDE is a newer, integrated format that replaces the NBDE Parts I and II. It evaluates dental knowledge, clinical skills, and decision-making in a single comprehensive exam.
Eligibility Requirements
To take the NBDE or INBDE, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment in an Accredited Dental Program: You must be a student or graduate of a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
- Eligibility Approval: Your dental school must approve your eligibility and notify the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).
- Application and Fees: Submit an application through the ADA website and pay the required exam fee ($490 for INBDE).
Exam Format
The NBDE and INBDE formats differ as follows:
NBDE (Legacy Format)
- Part I: Basic science knowledge, including anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology.
- Part II: Clinical dental topics, including diagnosis and treatment planning.
INBDE (Integrated Format)
- Comprehensive Exam: Combines basic science and clinical dental topics into a single test.
- Time Limit: The INBDE consists of approximately 500 questions administered over two days.
- Question Types: Includes multiple-choice questions and case-based scenarios.
Scheduling and Test Locations
- Authorized Test Centers: The NBDE and INBDE are administered at Prometric testing centers across the United States.
- Scheduling: Once your eligibility is approved, schedule your exam through the Prometric website.
- Fees: The INBDE fee is $490, and additional fees may apply for rescheduling or international test centers.
Scoring and Passing Requirements
Both the NBDE and INBDE are scored on a pass/fail basis. Passing the exam demonstrates that the candidate meets the minimum competency standards required for dental licensure. Official results are reported by the JCNDE.
Preparing for the NBDE and INBDE
Success on the NBDE or INBDE requires a thorough understanding of dental knowledge and clinical application. Utilize high-quality resources like question banks, study guides, and practice exams to ensure you are well-prepared.