National Board Dental Examination Part II
Step 1: Read the NBDE Part II Guide
Please review the Guide, specifically the Eligibility Requirements, Rules of Conduct, Test Regulations, Irregularities/Appeals, Testing Procedures, the Testing Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions. During the application process you will be asked to confirm that you have read the Guide and agree to the rules and regulations contained within the document. Candidates are responsible for understanding the information contained within the Guide. Candidates who violate exam rules or regulations may have their exam scores voided and have to wait up to two years to retest.
IMPORTANT NOTE CONCERNING NBDE PART II ENDODONTICS TERMINOLOGY
Although the new endodontic terms adopted by the American Association of Endodontists were anticipated to be incorporated into the NBDE Part II in 2012, technical issues were encountered that caused an unexpected delay. These terms will now be implemented in 2013. During this transitionary period, it is recommended that individuals become knowledgeable of both sets of terms, because individual researchers, practitioners, and existing textbooks can communicate information using either set of terms. The NBDE Part II Guide (download below) has been updated to reflect this change.
12/5/12 UPDATE: Based on feedback from test constructors, the American Association of Endodontists has provided the Joint Commission with an updated chart to assist students who are currently taking NBDE Part II.
The chart is consistent with the perspective that NBDE Test Constructors took in handling endodontic terminology when writing questions for the NBDE Part II. Current NBDE Part II test forms present questions using the older terminology.
As soon as the new terms are implemented, this web page will provide appropriate notification.
- NBDE Part II Guide (PDF)
- Arbitration Agreement (PDF)
- Test Day Checklist (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Step 2: Obtain a DENTPIN® and Apply for the Examination (No Refund)
The name on your IDs must match exactly with the name on your application. If the name on your application and your IDs do not match exactly, you will be denied admission to testing and, as a result, forfeit your scheduled testing appointment and your application fee. You will be required to submit a new application.
Before you can apply to take the examination, you must obtain a DENTPIN. Click here for more information on DENTPIN®.
Examination fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (no exceptions). Your credit card will be charged when you submit your application.
- NBDE Part II Application Instructions (PDF)
- NBDE Part II Electronic Application
- Certification of Eligibility (PDF)
- National Board Exam Accommodation Request (PDF)
Electronic Notification of NBDE Part II Eligibility
Upon processing of a candidate's NBDE Part II application, candidates will receive an e-mail notification of eligibility for testing and instructions for appointment scheduling. The eligibility letter includes instructions regarding appointment scheduling. (Please check your Spam folder if unable to locate the notification, especially Hotmail, Gmail, and Yahoo accounts.)
Step 3: Schedule a Time to Take the Examination
You must apply to take the examination with the ADA and receive your eligibility letter prior to scheduling your testing appointment with Prometric. Examinations are administered year-round at Prometric Test Centers in the United States, its territories including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada.
Advanced Scheduling
To increase the likelihood you will receive your first choice of date, time and location, you should schedule your testing 60 to 90 days before the desired testing date. Please remember, you may schedule your testing appointment with Prometric only upon receipt of your eligibility email.
Rescheduling Testing Appointments
Rescheduling your testing appointment will result in a rescheduling fee.
A candidate who wishes to reschedule his or her testing appointment must contact Prometric in advance of the testing appointment and pay a fee directly to Prometric. The fee schedule is as follows:
Rescheduling Fees
| $100 | One to five business days prior to the testing appointment |
| $60 | Six to 30 business days prior to the testing appointment |
| $25 | 31+ business days prior to the testing appointment |
**Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are NOT business days**
Appointments can be rescheduled by calling 800.688.5804 or through www.prometric.com. Leaving a message for a local test center is not sufficient; the local test center cannot schedule, reschedule, or cancel your appointment.
Canceling Testing Appointments
If you cancel your testing appointment and do not schedule another exam within six months, the cancelation will result in a complete forfeiture of your examination fee (as noted in Step 2 above, examination fees are nonrefundable).
- Sample Test Items (PDF)
Step 4: Take the Examination at a Prometric Test Center
Prometric Test Centers begin replacing current markers and dry erase boards with laminated note boards and low-odor fine tip permanent markers as supplies are depleted. Erasers will not be provided; however, candidates will receive two laminated note boards and two permanent markers. Candidates may raise their hand to notify the proctor for additional note boards and markers.
As noted in Step 2 above: The name on your IDs must match exactly with the name on your application. If the name on your application and your IDs do not match exactly, you will be denied admission to testing and, as a result, forfeit your scheduled testing appointment and your application fee. You will be required to submit a new application.
Candidates who experience concerns about scheduling issues, testing conditions, or any unresolved problem should inform the Test Administrator before leaving the test center and record this information in the appropriate section of the post-test survey. For issues requiring further action, candidates must contact the Joint Commission office within five business days of the testing appointment.
NBDE Part II Tutorial
The link below provides online access to the NBDE Part II Tutorial and a preview of the NBDE Part II format.
Helpful Prometric Links
Prometric Biometric Enabled Check-In
- Overview
- What to Expect
- What to Expect on Test Day
- What to Expect on Test Day (You-Tube Video)
- Test Takers FAQs
Step 5: Score Reports and NB Certificates
The application fee includes a score report for you, the dean of the accredited dental school you are attending or have attended and three dental licensing boards if requested on your application.
- Score reports are processed approximately four weeks after your testing appointment.
- Additional score report requests are processed approximately four weeks after receipt of the request.
- Request for additional score reports cannot be fulfilled until your examination is scored, which is approximately four weeks after your testing appointment.
- Your score report will be mailed to the address indicated on your application.
The mailing address for your score report will be printed on the Notice of Completion (received at the completion of the testing session). You must check the accuracy of your mailing addresses and contact the JCNDE office within five business days to report any corrections.
You can send additional reports to: dental schools, other institutions, dental licensing boards, or send a report to yourself. Designate on the electronic form below where you want to send an additional score report or download and complete the PDF document below.
- Send Additional Score Report(s) (Electronic)
- Send Additional Score Report(s) (PDF)
To purchase a National Board Certificate, complete the form below and submit the appropriate fee:
To have your examination results audited, complete the form below and submit the appropriate fee:
Purpose of the Examination
The purpose of the exam is to assist state boards in determining qualifications of dentists who seek licensure to practice dentistry. The examination assesses the ability to understand important information from basic biomedical and dental sciences and also the ability to apply such information in a problem-solving context.
Contact Information
Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60611
800-232-1694
Email: nbexams@ada.org
