Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) – USA

Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) – USA

The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) is a standardized examination conducted by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) in the United States. It is a requirement for foreign-trained and U.S. dental students who wish to practice dentistry in the U.S. or pursue further studies.

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INBDE Overview

Exam Name	Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
Conducting Body	Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE)
Purpose	Licensure Examination for Dental Practice in the U.S.
Eligibility	Final-year dental students & graduates from accredited/recognized dental schools
Exam Type	Computer-based test (CBT)
Exam Duration	2 days
Total Questions	500 (300 on Day 1, 200 on Day 2)
Mode of Exam	Computer-based test (CBT)
Official Website	www.ada.org/inbde

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INBDE Exam Format and Structure

The INBDE is a two-day exam that assesses a candidate's knowledge in basic biomedical sciences, dental and clinical sciences, and behavioral sciences with a focus on problem-solving and clinical decision-making.

Day 1 (Basic Sciences & Foundational Knowledge)

• Total Questions: 300
• Time Limit: 8 hours
• Breaks: Two optional breaks

Day 2 (Clinical Judgement & Decision-Making)

• Total Questions: 200
• Time Limit: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Breaks: One optional break

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Subjects Covered in INBDE

The INBDE evaluates knowledge across four major domains:

1. Biomedical Sciences

• General Anatomy & Histology
• Physiology & Pathology
• Microbiology & Immunology
• Pharmacology & Biochemistry

2. Clinical Dentistry

• Operative Dentistry & Restorative Dentistry
• Prosthodontics & Implant Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

3. Patient Management & Public Health

• Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
• Infection Control & Prevention
• Evidence-Based Dentistry
• Ethics & Professional Conduct

4. Applied Behavioral Sciences

• Communication Skills
• Patient Education & Motivation
• Interpersonal Skills

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Eligibility Criteria for INBDE

To be eligible for the INBDE, candidates must:

1. Be a final-year student or graduate of a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in the U.S.
2. For International Dentists:
   • Graduates from non-CODA accredited institutions must have their credentials verified through the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
   • Obtain authorization from the state dental board or relevant licensing authority.

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INBDE Registration Process

Step 1: Create a DENTPIN®

• Visit the American Dental Association (ADA) website and create a DENTPIN (Dental Personal Identifier Number).
• Link: https://www.ada.org/en/jcnde/dentpin

Step 2: Apply for INBDE

• Submit the online application via the ADA website.
• Upload all required documents.
• Pay the exam fees.

Step 3: Receive Eligibility Confirmation

• Once approved, candidates will receive an eligibility email.
• The eligibility period lasts six months from the approval date.

Step 4: Schedule the Exam

• Book the exam at a Prometric Test Center.
• Prometric Website: www.prometric.com

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INBDE Exam Fees

Category	Fees (in USD)
Application Fee	$810
Rescheduling Fee	$25 - $150 (based on reschedule timing)
Score Report Request	$50 per report

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INBDE Scoring & Results

• The INBDE is a pass/fail exam.
• Scores are released 2-3 weeks after the exam.
• The minimum passing score is determined based on performance but is not disclosed.
• Candidates can attempt the exam a maximum of 5 times.
• If a candidate fails 3 times, they must wait one year before attempting again.

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INBDE Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Exam Format:

   • Focus on case-based and clinical scenario questions.

2. Use Standard Study Materials:

   • NBDE First Aid Book
   • Kaplan INBDE Review
   • INBDE Bootcamp
   • Dental Decks INBDE

3. Take Practice Tests:

   • ADA Sample Questions
   • Online mock tests

4. Time Management:

   • Allocate specific time for each subject.
   • Practice solving 500 questions per day to improve speed.

5. Review Weak Areas:

   • Identify and focus on low-performing subjects.

6. Stay Updated with INBDE Resources:

   • Follow ADA’s official updates.
   • Join INBDE preparation groups on Facebook, Reddit, and Telegram.

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Comparison: INBDE vs. NBDE

Feature	INBDE	NBDE (Phased Out)
Exam Format	500 Questions (2 Days)	NBDE Part 1 & 2 (Separate)
Type of Questions	Case-Based & Clinical	Basic Science & Theoretical
Last Attempt for NBDE	-	NBDE ended in 2022
Preferred Exam	Required for all new test-takers	Phased Out

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After INBDE – Next Steps

Once you pass the INBDE, you must:

1. Apply for a Residency or Dental Licensure

   • Consider Advanced Standing Programs (ASDA/DDS) for foreign-trained dentists.
   • Apply for a State Dental License (varies by state).

2. Complete Clinical Requirements

   • Some states require an OSCE-based clinical exam in addition to INBDE.

3. Apply for Visa (For International Dentists)

   • Foreign-trained dentists need a student or work visa to practice in the U.S.

4. Start Practicing or Continue Specialization

   • Apply for Postgraduate Dental Programs (MSc, Residency).

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Conclusion

The INBDE is a critical step for both U.S. and internationally trained dentists who wish to practice dentistry in the United States. It assesses clinical knowledge and decision-making skills through an integrated approach. With proper preparation and study strategies, candidates can successfully pass the INBDE and move forward in their dental careers in the U.S.

🔹 For official details and updates, visit:
👉 www.ada.org/inbde

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