If you’re on the path to becoming a dentist in the United States, you’ll need to pass the INBDE. This high-stakes exam is designed to evaluate whether you have the skills and knowledge necessary for safe, effective dental practice. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the exam—from what it is to how to prepare.
What is the INBDE and What Does It Stand For?
The INBDE stands for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination. It is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) and replaces the former NBDE Part I and Part II exams.
The INBDE is designed to test not just your academic knowledge but also your ability to apply that knowledge in clinical situations.
What’s in the INBDE?
The INBDE uses an integrated format that combines basic science knowledge with clinical dentistry applications. Instead of being divided into traditional subject-based sections, it presents test items in case-based and standalone formats.
Topics include:
- Patient-centered care
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Oral pathology and oral medicine
- Restorative dentistry
- Periodontics
- Pharmacology and therapeutics
- Ethics and professionalism
Since best practices are always being updated, the contents of the INBDE regarding how to treat patients also change. You’ll want to keep up to date with ADA guidelines to ace your INBDE exams.
How Long is the INBDE?
The INBDE is a two-day exam:
- Day 1: 360 multiple-choice questions, about 8 hours with scheduled breaks.
- Day 2: 140 multiple-choice questions, about 4.5 hours.
In total, the exam has 500 questions across both days. On test day, arrive 30 minutes early with two forms of ID and your registration confirmation. You’ll have access to a locker for food, water, and personal items during breaks. Most breaks are 15 minutes, with one 30-minute lunch break. Prometric provides scratch paper, and you can bring non-electronic earplugs if needed.
A few tips: Use exam tools (highlight, strike-out, flag) as part of your INBDE test-taking strategy, take every break to recharge, and don’t stress if a question feels impossible—some are unscored trial items. Manage your time, read carefully, and trust the work you’ve put in.
How Do I Apply for the INBDE?
Here’s how to register for the exam:
- Get a DENTPIN® from the ADA website.
- Submit an application through the JCNDE portal.
- Wait for eligibility confirmation.
- Schedule your exam with Prometric test centers once authorized.
How Much Does the INBDE Cost?
The current fee is $875 (non-refundable). This covers the exam itself, and additional fees may apply if you reschedule or request special services.
How to Reschedule the INBDE
You can reschedule through Prometric, but fees depend on how much notice you give:
- 30+ business days before: $25 fee
- 5–29 business days before: $60 fee
- 1–4 business days before: $150 fee
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of your exam.
How to Study for the INBDE
Preparing for the INBDE requires a different approach than traditional exams, since it’s designed to test your ability to apply knowledge in clinical settings rather than simply recall facts. That’s where INBDE Bootcamp stands out as the most effective resource for students.
- Instead of spending months piecing together textbooks, lecture notes, and scattered study guides, Bootcamp gives you everything in one place:
- Realistic practice questions that mirror the style and difficulty of the actual INBDE.
- Case-based exams that replicate how the test integrates science and clinical decision-making.
- Step-by-step study schedules so you know exactly what to review each day, whether you have 3 months or 6 months to prepare.
- Detailed explanations and video lessons that not only give you the right answers but also help you understand the reasoning behind them.
- A top-rated mobile app so you can study wherever, whenever.
Most students spend 3–6 months preparing, and Bootcamp’s customizable study plans allow you to study at your own pace without having to figure out where to start. Many learners commit 2–4 hours daily using Bootcamp’s guided schedule, gradually building endurance and confidence as test day approaches. With Bootcamp’s platform, you’re not just memorizing facts—you’re actively learning how to apply concepts in the way the INBDE expects.
