JCNDE (Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations), ADA

INBDE

Integrated National Board Dental Examination

The single integrated board exam US dental students must pass for licensure, replacing the former NBDE Parts I and II. It blends foundation biomedical knowledge with clinical decision-making across the domain of general dentistry.

$890Two test days (12 hours 30 minutes total; ~8h15m day one, ~4h15m day two)Required to practice

What's on the exam

INBDE Test Specifications (Clinical Content / Domain of Dentistry)

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

36%

Patient history and clinical examination · Radiographic interpretation · Differential and definitive diagnosis · Risk assessment · Comprehensive treatment planning

Oral Health Management

42%

Restorative and prosthodontic care · Periodontal therapy · Endodontic management · Oral surgery and extractions · Pharmacologic management and pain control · Pediatric and special-needs care

Practice and Profession

22%

Ethics and professionalism · Patient communication · Practice management · Infection control and safety · Evidence-based practice and information management

Frequently asked questions

How much does the INBDE cost?

The INBDE costs $890. Examination fee; additional $435 processing fee for students and non-CODA graduates.

How long is the INBDE and how many questions does it have?

Approximately 500 items across two days — Two test days (12 hours 30 minutes total; ~8h15m day one, ~4h15m day two).

What do you need to pass the INBDE?

Pass/fail (scaled passing score of 75).

Can you retake the INBDE?

After a waiting period; limited lifetime attempts per JCNDE policy.

What is the best way to study for the INBDE?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 36%, Oral Health Management 42%, Practice and Profession 22%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.

Program in development

We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.

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