What Score is Needed to Pass the INBDE Exam?

The INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) is scored on a scaled range from 49 to 99, with 75 as the minimum passing score.

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If you score 75 or higher, you will receive a "Pass"—but no numerical score will be reported. This is because the INBDE is designed to confirm whether you meet the national standard for entry-level dental competence, not to rank you against other test takers.

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If you do not pass, you’ll receive a detailed performance report highlighting how you performed in each content area. This feedback is meant to help you identify areas for improvement before retaking the exam.

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✔️ Passing Score: 75 or above (on a scale of 49–99)
📬 If you pass: You receive a “Pass” result—no number score is provided.
❌ If you fail: You get a content breakdown to guide your preparation.

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Aim for thorough understanding and clinical reasoning skills across all major exam topics - Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Oral Health Management, and Practice and Profession - to confidently meet or exceed the passing standard.

How do I register for the INBDE exam?

To register for the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination), follow these steps:

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📝 Step 1: Obtain a DENTPIN®

​A DENTPIN® (Dental Personal Identifier Number) is required for all dental examinations.

• If you've previously taken the DAT or applied to dental school, you may already have a DENTPIN®.

• If not, you can create one through the ADA's DENTPIN portal.

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📘 Step 2: Review the INBDE Candidate Guide

Before applying, thoroughly read the INBDE Candidate Guide. It contains essential information on eligibility, exam policies, and testing procedures.

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📄 Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Apply for the INBDE through the JCNDE application portal.

• The exam fee is $810, payable by credit or debit card.

• Ensure that the name on your application matches exactly with your government-issued ID to avoid issues on test day.

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🏫 Step 4: Verify Eligibility (for Non-CODA Programs)

If you are attending or have graduated from a dental school not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA):

• Complete the INBDE Certification of Eligibility Form.

• This form must be signed by your dean or registrar and include the school's seal.

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📧 Step 5: Receive Eligibility Confirmation

After your application is processed, you'll receive an eligibility email from the JCNDE. This email confirms that you're approved to schedule your exam.

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📅 Step 6: Schedule Your Exam with Prometric

• Visit the Prometric scheduling portal to choose your exam date and location.

• Use your DENTPIN® as your eligibility ID during the scheduling process.

• It's recommended to schedule your exam 60 to 90 days in advance to secure your preferred date and location

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⏰ Additional Tips

• You have a six-month window to take the exam after receiving your eligibility confirmation.

• The INBDE is a two-day exam, but the days do not need to be consecutive.

• Ensure all personal information is accurate and matches your identification documents to prevent any issues on exam day.

What do I need to know before I register for the INBDE exam?

Before registering for the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination), here are the most important things you need to know:

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📌 1. You Need a DENTPIN®

• A DENTPIN® is your unique ID number for all U.S. dental exams.

• If you've taken the DAT or applied to dental school before, you likely already have one.

• If not, you can register for free at the ADA DENTPIN page.

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📌 2. Eligibility Requirements

You must be:

• A student or graduate of a CODA-accredited dental program, or

• A student/graduate of a non-CODA program with approved documentation.

• Non-CODA applicants must submit a Certification of Eligibility Form signed by their school.

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📌 3. Know the Exam Format

• The INBDE is a single, integrated exam over two days, totaling up to 12 hours and 30 minutes.

• It includes both Standalone items and Case-based questions.

• The exam covers three main content areas:
  ✅ Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
  ✅ Oral Health Management
  ✅ Practice and Profession

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📌 4. Fees and Payment

• The exam fee is $810, paid online during the application.

• This fee is non-refundable, so make sure you’re ready before applying.

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📌 5. Scheduling and Test Centers

• Once approved, you’ll receive an eligibility email.

• You’ll then schedule your exam through Prometric.

• Plan ahead – seats can fill up fast, especially near graduation season.

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📌 6. Review the Candidate Guide

• Read the INBDE Candidate Guide from the website carefully.
  It contains essential info about exam rules, accommodations, and procedures.​

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When should I register for the INBDE exam?

You should register for the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) as early as possible, ideally 6 months before your desired test date. This advance planning helps ensure you secure your preferred test dates and locations, especially during peak periods like summer and graduation season.

🗓️ Recommended Registration Timeline

• Apply Early: Begin your application process at least 6 months in advance of your intended exam date.

• Schedule Promptly: Once your application is approved and you receive your eligibility confirmation, schedule your exam 60 to 90 days before your desired test date through Prometric.

• Eligibility Window: After approval, you have a 6-month window to take the exam. If you don't schedule and take the exam within this period, your application and fee will be forfeited.

Preparing for Your INBDE Test Day

Whether you’re taking the INBDE exam at a test center in the U.S. or abroad, being properly prepared with the required identification, materials, and procedures is essential for a smooth experience.​

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✅ What to Bring on Test Day:

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You must bring two valid forms of identification:

• Primary ID: Must be government-issued, current (not expired), and include your name, recent photograph, and signature (e.g., passport, driver’s license).

• Secondary ID: Must include your name and signature (e.g., credit card, student ID).

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⚠️ The name on your IDs must exactly match the name used during exam registration.

You will not need to bring pencils or calculators—these are provided electronically within the Prometric testing software.

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🧑‍💻 Test Center Guidelines

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The INBDE is administered in person at authorized Prometric testing centers. Here's what to expect:

• Arrive Early: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in and security screening.

• Security Procedures: You will undergo ID verification, biometric scans (e.g., fingerprinting), and a personal belongings check. All personal items, including electronics and watches, must be stored in a locker.

• Breaks: There are optional, unscheduled breaks. Time spent on breaks counts toward the total exam time, so plan wisely.

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💻 Testing Environment

• Quiet and Monitored: Testing rooms are monitored by surveillance and proctors at all times.

• No Notes or External Materials: Scratch paper and pencils will be provided and collected afterward.

• Digital Tools Provided: An on-screen calculator and digital noteboard will be available during the exam.

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📋 Before Exam Day

1. Confirm Your Appointment via the Prometric website. Check the address, parking, and check-in requirements.

2. Review the INBDE Guide from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) to understand the rules, test structure, and candidate responsibilities.

3. Understand the Rescheduling Policy: You may reschedule or cancel your test, but strict deadlines and fees apply.

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Are there any prerequisites for taking the INBDE exam?

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Yes, there are a few important prerequisites for taking the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination):

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✅ 1. Educational Eligibility

You must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be currently enrolled in a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited dental school program in the U.S. or Canada.

• Be a graduate of a CODA-accredited dental program.

• Be a graduate of a non-CODA-accredited dental program (foreign dental school), and meet eligibility requirements.

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✅ 2. DENTPIN Registration

Before applying, you must obtain a DENTPIN® (Dental Personal Identifier Number) through the ADA's DENTPIN portal. This unique ID is required for all testing-related processes.

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✅ 3. Application Approval

• Students in U.S. or Canadian CODA-accredited schools must have their eligibility verified by their school.

• Graduates of foreign programs must submit official ECE reports and get approval from JCNDE before registering.

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✅ 4. Application and Fee Submission

Once eligible, you’ll need to complete your INBDE application and pay the exam fee (currently $845 as of 2025) via the ADA portal.

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What happens if I don’t pass the exam?

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If you don’t pass the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination), don’t worry—many candidates retake the exam successfully. Here’s what to expect and how to move forward:

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📄 1. You’ll Receive a Performance Report

You’ll get a detailed score report showing how you performed in each content area. This report is only sent if you don’t pass and is designed to help you identify your weak areas so you can improve for your next attempt.

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🔁 2. You Can Retake the Exam

• You can retake the INBDE after a mandatory 90-day waiting period.

• You are allowed a maximum of 5 attempts.

• Each retake requires reapplying and paying the full exam fee.

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🧠 3. Use Your Score Report to Study Smarter

Focus your preparation on the topics where you scored lowest.
Consider using:​

• Online courses

• Review books

• Practice tests

• Study groups

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📝 4. Reapply When Ready

Once you feel prepared:

• Log in to the ADA Candidate Portal

• Reapply and schedule your exam

• Be sure to allow time for your application to be processed

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Don’t rush the retake. Take time to review, practice, and build confidence. Many candidates pass the INBDE on their second or third try—with the right strategy, you can too.

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How long does the licensure last, and what are the renewal requirements?

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The INBDE itself does not grant a license - it is a one-time licensure exam that fulfills part of the requirements to become a licensed dentist in the United States. Once you pass the INBDE, you must apply for licensure through the state dental board where you wish to practice.

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🦷 Dental Licensure Duration & Renewal:

• Licensure Duration: Dental licenses are issued by individual U.S. states and typically must be renewed every 1 to 3 years, depending on the state.

• Renewal Requirements:

  • Continuing Education (CE): Most states require dentists to complete a specific number of CE hours during each renewal cycle.

  • License Renewal Application & Fee: Dentists must submit a renewal application and pay a fee to maintain an active license.

  • Additional Requirements: Some states may require CPR certification, proof of malpractice insurance, or a clean disciplinary record.

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​The INBDE score does not expire, but licensure maintenance is governed by the state, so be sure to check the specific requirements of your state dental board.​

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What are the common challenges dentists face in their work?

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Dentistry is a rewarding profession, but it also presents several challenges that dental professionals must navigate throughout their careers. Here are some of the most common:

1. Physical Strain

• Long hours in static, awkward postures can lead to back, neck, and hand pain.

• Repetitive movements may increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

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2. Patient Anxiety

• Many patients experience dental fear or anxiety, which can complicate treatment.

• Managing nervous or uncooperative patients requires strong communication and empathy skills.

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3. Business Management

• Dentists in private practice must manage staff, budgets, insurance claims, and compliance with regulations.

• Balancing clinical duties with administrative responsibilities can be stressful.

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4. Keeping Up with Advances

• Continuous learning is necessary to stay current with evolving technologies, materials, and treatment protocols.

• Time and financial investment in continuing education and equipment are ongoing demands.

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5. High Responsibility and Risk

• Dentists are responsible for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans, often under tight schedules.

• Mistakes or complications can lead to patient dissatisfaction, reputational damage, or legal issues.

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6. Work-Life Balance

• The demands of running a practice or working in a busy clinic can limit personal time.

• Burnout is a risk, especially for those who do not set clear boundaries.