Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)

Resources and tools for candidates seeking to complete the Integrated National Board Dental Examination.
The INBDE at a glance

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect and when the examination is available.

info graphic for INBDE that reads, "Accepted at All U.S. licensing jurisdictions recognize the INBDE , Available Year round, Offered at Prometric Test Centers in the U.S. and its territories and Canada, Test Time Day 1, 8 hours 15 min, Day 2, 4 hours 15 min"

About the INBDE

The Integrated National Board Dental Examination is a high-stakes licensure examination requiring candidates to use their clinical skills to successfully complete one or more dental problem-solving tasks. This two-day examination, which replaces the NBDE Part I and NBDE Part II, is designed to provide information to U.S. dental boards seeking to determine whether licensure candidates have the necessary level of clinical skills to safely practice entry-level dentistry.

The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) is the governing body for the INBDE, working in collaboration with the Department of Testing Services (DTS). Candidates take the examination at test centers operated by Prometric, an authorized vendor of JCNDE and DTS.

The INBDE is accepted in all U.S. states and territories as fulfilling all or part of the written examination requirements for licensure. Please refer to each dental board’s website for specific details, clarifications and updated policies. Find additional information in the INBDE Candidate Guide.

Get the INBDE Candidate Guide (PDF)

Recent and Forthcoming Updates

Please download and check Recent and Forthcoming Updates to Examinations and Tests (PDF) often as you prepare for your  examination.
INBDE Candidate Guide (PDF)
Find detailed information on all aspects of the examination. 
Test preparation tools
Get ready for the INBDE with fact sheets, practice questions and more.
Apply for the INBDE
Take the first step in scheduling your examination.
Get your exam results
See your INBDE exam results, review  scoring information or request an audit.

More INBDE information and resources

Fall 2024 Webinar Recording: Dental Examinations

A webinar on the JCNDE Dental examination programs: The INBDE and the DLOSCE was held on October 3, 2024. Dr. Waldschmidt presented information for examination users, academic programs, and faculty. A recording of this informational webinar is now available. The dental examinations program slide presentation (PDF) is also available for download.

Webinar recording

Recording of the virtual JCNDE Annual State Dental Board Forum is available

The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) will hold its annual forum for boards of dentistry and dental hygiene on August 19, 2024 from 12-1:30 PM CST. The purpose of the forum is to facilitate open communication and share information about the JCNDE’s National Board Examinations. 

Listen to the recording 

 

Create or manage your DENTPIN 

To take your examination, you will need a unique personal identification number (DENTPINⓇ). If you have already registered for or taken another dental examination, you may already have a DENTPIN. Use the link below to create a new DENTPIN or to modify the information linked to your existing DENTPIN.

Manage DENTPIN

Is this examination offered in Quebec Canada?

No. This examination is no longer offered in the providence of Quebec Canada. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Steps to take before scheduling your examination

You will take the INBDE at a testing center operated by Prometric, an approved vendor of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and the Department of Testing Services. Before scheduling your test appointment, you must:

  • Review the INBDE Candidate Guide, with special focus on eligibility requirements, rules of conduct, examination regulations and the testing center procedures.

    • View the guide (PDF)

  • Submit an application to the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).

    • Apply now

  • If you are attending a dental school that is not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), complete and submit a Certificate of Eligibility, which requires a signature from the dean or registrar of your school.

    • View INBDE Certificate of Eligibility (PDF)

  • Receive an eligibility email from the JCNDE confirming that you are ready to schedule your examination.
Scheduling your test date

Once you have received a confirmation email from the JCNDE, you’re ready to choose your test date. Review current COVID-19 test center procedures on the Prometric website.

Your appointment should be scheduled 60 to 90 days before your desired test date.

Select a date and time by contacting Prometric directly via the link below. On the left-hand side of the page, select “Schedule,” then supply your preferred state to find a test center. Enter your DENTPIN as your eligibility ID. Then, choose the INBDE option.

Select your test date

Rescheduling or canceling your test date

If you need to cancel or reschedule your test date, contact Prometric directly via the link below. You must make your request at least 24 hours ahead of your scheduled testing appointment. You will pay a fee directly to Prometric, based on the schedule shown here. Please note that leaving a message for the local Prometric test center is not sufficient, since they cannot schedule, reschedule or cancel your appointment.

Contact Prometric

EMERGENCY CANCELLATIONS: If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment due to sudden illness or death in your immediate family, contact the Department of Testing Services by emailing testingproblems@ada.org or calling 800.232.1694.

If you cancel or reschedule   Your fee will be
 30 or more days before test date  $40
 5-29 days before scheduled test date  $70
 1-4 days before scheduled test date  $150
 If you fail to appear for a scheduled testing appointment OR arrive 30 minutes after the scheduled start time and are refused admission  Full testing fee will be forfeited
Concerns about test day issues or conditions 

After taking the examination, if you have concerns about scheduling issues, examination conditions or any unresolved problems, inform the Prometric test administrator before leaving the test center.

Get your National Board certificate

If you have successfully completed the INBDE and want to purchase a National Board certificate, log in with your DENTPIN and password.

Purchase certificate

Request an audit of your examination results 

You can request an audit of your examination results within 30 days of the date on your official INBDE results document. A $65 fee applies. Audit results are available within four to six weeks. Log in with your DENTPIN and password below.

Request audit

History and development of the INBDE

For a complete history of the INBDE, along with details on the examination’s purpose and content, visit this page.

Key features and differences between the INBDE and the DLOSCE

To understand key features and differences between the INBDE and the Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination (DLOSCE), please download the following document.

View DLOSCE and INBDE - A Powerful Combination (PDF)

 

Volunteer as a test constructor. Lend your talents to future applicants.
Volunteer as a test constructor

Lend your talents to future applicants. The Department of Testing Services needs volunteer subject matter experts to assist with test construction. Volunteers may also earn CE credit.

Explore Volunteering