Learn more about the INBDE: https://integratednbde.com/
INBDE is the Integrated National Board Dental Examination, a national test used by state licensing boards to assess a candidate’s qualifications for dental licensure. It is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) and covers a wide range of dental science topics, from foundational knowledge to clinical skills. The exam is a two-day test that is a mandatory step for becoming a licensed dentist in the United States.
Key aspects of the INBDE
- Purpose: To help determine the qualifications of individuals seeking to become licensed dentists.
- Administration: The JCNDE administers the exam. The application process requires candidates to get a DENTPIN, submit an application, and pay a registration fee to the JCNDE.
- Exam format: The exam is divided into two days and consists of 500 questions in total, some of which are standalone and others are part of case sets.
- Scoring: A passing score is 75 or above on a scale of 49-99. Candidates who fail receive a performance report by topic for remediation.
- Eligibility: To be eligible, candidates must be graduates of a CODA-accredited dental program or meet additional requirements if they are from a non-CODA-accredited program.
What the INBDE tests
- The exam covers 10 foundation knowledge (FK) areas, including:
- FK1: Development, structure, and function of bodily systems
- FK2: Physics and chemistry of biology and disease
- FK3: Physics and chemistry of dental materials and technology
- FK4: Genetic and developmental diseases
- FK5: Immune system and host defense
- FK6: Pathology and risk assessment
- FK7: Microbiology
- FK8: Pharmacology
- FK9: Sociology, psychology, and ethics
- FK10: Quantitative knowledge and informatics
What to know on test day
- Time: Arrive 30 minutes early with two forms of ID and your registration confirmation.
- Breaks: You will have breaks, including a 30-minute lunch break.
- Materials: Prometric will provide scratch paper, but you may bring non-electronic earplugs if needed.
- Strategy: Use exam tools like highlight and strike-out to help answer questions. Take every break to recharge and don’t get stressed if a question seems impossible, as some are unscored trial items.