The INBDE is the national licensure examination for dentists in the United States. It replaced the former National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II and is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to apply integrated biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences knowledge in real-world dental practice.
Passing the INBDE is a major requirement for dental licensure in the U.S. It is also required for internationally trained dentists seeking admission into advanced standing programs at U.S. dental schools.
Although the INBDE is the primary pathway for licensure, a limited number of alternative routes may exist in certain states, such as postgraduate residency programs, non-patient-based OSCE examinations (such as Canadian pathways), or portfolio-based licensure models.
The INBDE is designed as an integrated exam rather than two separate parts. It includes case-based and standalone questions that evaluate clinical judgment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management.
The exam assesses knowledge in areas such as dental anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, oral radiology, behavioral sciences, ethics, and clinical dentistry. Many questions are presented in patient-case formats that simulate real-life scenarios.
The INBDE is approximately 12.5 hours long and is administered over two days. The exam is scored on a pass/fail basis. A standardized passing score is established by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).
Candidates do not receive a numerical score — only a pass or fail result is reported.