Your Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the INBDE

Applying for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) can feel intimidating, especially if you studied dentistry outside the U.S. or Canada. This guide walks you through the application process, gives tips for foreign-trained dentists, and includes strategies for preparing efficiently for the exam.

Check Your Eligibility

Before you start your application, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements:

• Be a student or graduate of an accredited dental program.
• International applicants who studied outside the U.S. or Canada, confirm that your degree is recognized by the appropriate licensing authority.

Set Up Your JCNDE Account

All INBDE applications go through the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). Here’s what you need to do:

1. Create an account on the JCNDE website.
2. Verify your identity and educational credentials.
3. Choose your preferred exam window and testing location.

Your JCNDE account is where you’ll manage all aspects of your application, from paying fees to scheduling your exam and checking your results.

Gather and Submit Required Documents

You will need:

• Official transcripts from your dental school
• Proof of graduation or expected graduation date
• Identification (passport for international students)
• Credential evaluations for foreign-trained dentists

Submitting all documents well in advance avoids delays. If you want a clear roadmap of what to do after submitting, check out our resource on taking the INBDE and next steps, which breaks down what happens between application approval and exam day.

Pay Fees and Schedule Your Exam

• Pay your exam fee through your JCNDE account.
• Once approved, pick a test center and exam date that gives you plenty of preparation time.

Scheduling early is especially important for international students, as credential reviews can take extra time.Once you have your exam date, you can start planning your study schedule with Bootcamp INBDE.

Plan Your Study Strategy

The INBDE tests clinical reasoning and integrated knowledge, so your prep should be strategic:

1. Focus on high-yield topics like certain periodontal classifications, bacteria, and high-yield conditions.
2. Practice with case-based questions that combine multiple subjects.
3. Watch visual explanations when needed, such as the latest updates to Mental Dental videos, which help reinforce complex concepts.
4. Stay up-to-date on current clinical guidelines, like INBDE trauma prophylaxis updates.
   
   

Consistent daily practice—rather than cramming—builds the reasoning skills the exam requires. A structured plan, like the one you can create with Bootcamp, helps you stay on track.

What to Expect After the INBDE

• Results are usually available 3–5 weeks after the test.
• Passing allows you to move on to licensing or advanced standing programs.
• If you don’t pass, review your performance report, focus on weaker areas, and plan a structured retake.

For a clear view of what to do after the exam and how to plan your next steps, check out our article on taking the INBDE and next steps.

Prep Smarter with Bootcamp.com’s INBDE Prep

Preparing for the INBDE can feel overwhelming, but Bootcamp.com’s INBDE Prep makes it manageable. Their program offers:

• Case-based question banks that mimic real exam scenarios
• Integrated biomedical and clinical explanations
• Personalized study schedules aligned to high-yield topics
• Progress tracking to help you focus on areas that need improvement

Combining a structured study plan with the step-by-step application process ensures you stay on track and enter the exam with confidence. You can start studying with INBDE Bootcamp for free today.