The Complete Guide to the INBDE: Application Process, Fees, and Preparation

Pursuing a career in dentistry requires successfully navigating various licensure examinations, with the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) standing as a critical milestone. As a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate your readiness for dental practice, understanding the examination’s structure, requirements, and protocols is essential for success. This guide provides detailed information about the INBDE application process, fees, and preparation strategies based on the official 2025 Candidate Guide.

Understanding the INBDE

The INBDE is designed to assess the integration of biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences in your dental education. The examination evaluates your cognitive skills through the Domain of Dentistry, which encompasses 56 Clinical Content areas and 10 Foundation Knowledge areas. This approach maximizes clinical relevance and ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your abilities.

The purpose of the INBDE, like other National Board Examinations, is to assist jurisdictional boards in determining qualifications for dental licensure. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands currently recognize the INBDE. Your performance on this examination provides essential information to help licensing boards protect public health through ensuring competent practitioners.

Application Process

Eligibility Requirements

The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) has established specific eligibility criteria for the INBDE. You qualify for the examination through one of the following pathways:

For Students and Graduates of CODA-Accredited Programs:

• Current Students: You become eligible when your dean confirms you’re prepared in all relevant disciplines
• Former Students: Eligibility requires admission or conditional admission to another CODA-accredited program
• Graduate Dentists: Active, life, or retired ADA members are automatically eligible; others must submit verification of their degree

For Students and Graduates of Non-CODA-Accredited Programs:

• All candidates must have their educational degrees confirmed through Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. (ECE)
• Current students must also have their status confirmed through a Certification of Eligibility Form
• The form must include the university seal and signature of the dean or registrar

Application Steps

1. Obtain a DENTPIN®: Before applying, you must register for a Dental Personal Identification Number at ADA.org/DENTPIN
2. Submit Application: Complete the application through the Examination Program website
3. Verification Process: Your application will be processed if you meet all eligibility requirements
4. Testing Window: Once approved, you have a six-month eligibility period to schedule and complete the examination

Remember that your application information must match your identification documents exactly. Any discrepancy will prevent you from testing and result in forfeiture of your fees.

Examination Fees and Costs

The INBDE involves several potential fees that candidates should be aware of:

• Standard Examination Fee: $880 (includes reporting to the candidate, three licensing jurisdictions, and the candidate’s dental program)
• Bundle Pricing Option (NEW): $1,080 for both INBDE and DLOSCE administrations (saving $475 compared to purchasing separately)
• Processing Fee for International Candidates: $435 (applies to students/graduates of non-CODA-accredited programs)
• Additional Results Reports: $50 per report (for recipients not selected at time of application)
• Results Audit Fee: $65 (if requested within 30 days of receiving results)
• Eligibility Extension Fee: $145 (extends eligibility period by 45 days, available once per application)

In addition to these direct examination fees, candidates should budget for:

• Rescheduling fees ($50-$150 depending on notice given)
• Travel expenses to the testing center
• Accommodations if needed
• Study materials and preparation resources

All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, and must be paid in U.S. dollars.

Examination Structure and Format

The INBDE is administered over two days with a total testing time of 12 hours and 30 minutes. The second testing day must occur within seven days of the first day and at the same testing center.

Day 1 (8 hours 15 minutes):

• Optional Tutorial (15 minutes)
• Section 1: 100 standalone items (105 minutes)
• Optional Break (15 minutes)
• Section 2: 100 standalone items (105 minutes)
• Optional Break (30 minutes)
• Section 3: 100 standalone items (105 minutes)
• Optional Break (15 minutes)
• Section 4: 60 case-based items (105 minutes)

Day 2 (4 hours 15 minutes):

• Optional Tutorial (15 minutes)
• Section 5: 70 case-based items (105 minutes)
• Optional Break (15 minutes)
• Section 6: 70 case-based items (105 minutes)
• Optional Survey (15 minutes)

The examination uses various question formats including completion items, directly worded questions, and negatively worded questions (marked with EXCEPT, LEAST, or NOT). Some questions include patient boxes containing clinical information.

Preparation Strategies

The JCNDE recommends using textbooks and lecture notes as primary study resources. While the JCNDE does not endorse specific preparation materials, they provide several resources to help candidates:

1. Practice Test Questions: Available for download from the INBDE website (JCNDE.ADA.org/INBDE/INBDE-prepare)
2. Foundation Knowledge Documents: Detailed descriptions of the Foundation Knowledge areas assessed
3. Tutorial: Available at the beginning of each test session to familiarize you with navigating the examination
4. Test Drive: Offered by Prometric to preview the testing experience (available for a fee)

Remember that practice questions are best used to familiarize yourself with item formats rather than as comprehensive preparation materials.

Testing Accommodations

The INBDE program provides reasonable and appropriate testing accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities or medical conditions. To request accommodations:

1. Submit a completed Testing Accommodations Request Form through your DENTPIN account
2. Provide current documentation (within the past five years) from an appropriate healthcare professional
3. Include documentation of any previous accommodations provided by educational institutions

Requests can be submitted before or during the application process. You must receive approval for accommodations before scheduling your testing appointment.

Test Center Procedures and Rules

The test administration includes several important procedures:

• Identification Verification: Two forms of valid ID are required (primary must be government-issued with photo and signature)
• Biometric Data Collection: Your identity will be captured electronically (e.g., photograph, fingerprint)
• Personal Belongings: All personal items must be stored in designated lockers and cannot be accessed during testing
• Note Boards: Two note boards and markers will be provided for calculations
• Monitoring: Test center administrators will observe candidates throughout the testing session

Violation of examination regulations or test center procedures may result in voided results and additional penalties.

Results and Scoring

INBDE results are reported as “pass” or “fail,” based on a criterion-referenced standard. For unsuccessful candidates, the JCNDE provides performance information at the overall level, for the three clinical content areas, and for the ten foundation knowledge areas.

The examination uses a scale score ranging from 49 to 99, with 75 representing the minimum passing score. Results typically become available within four weeks of the examination date.

Retesting Policy

The INBDE retesting policy includes these important provisions:

• Candidates who fail may apply for re-examination
• A 60-day waiting period is required between unsuccessful attempts
• A maximum of four administrations is permitted in any 12-month period
• The “5 Years/5 Attempts” rule requires passing within five years of the first attempt or within five attempts

Conclusion

The INBDE represents a significant milestone in your journey toward dental licensure. By understanding the application process, fees, examination structure, and preparation strategies outlined in this guide, you can approach the examination with confidence and clarity. Remember that thorough preparation, familiarity with the examination format, and attention to administrative details are key elements to success in this important professional examination.

For the most up-to-date information, always consult the official INBDE Candidate Guide and resources available from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations.