Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
Resources and tools for candidates seeking to complete the Integrated National Board Dental Examination.
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Important Note to Candidates Testing in Quebec
Effective August 23, 2023, examination administrations will no longer be offered in the province of Quebec in Canada. Candidates with existing appointments will be asked to reschedule those appointments to a location outside Quebec. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The INBDE at a glance
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect and when the examination is available.
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.
Recent and Forthcoming Updates
Please download and check Recent and Forthcoming Updates to Examinations and Tests (PDF) often as you prepare for your examination.
Find detailed information on all aspects of the examination.
Take the first step in scheduling your examination.
Get ready for the INBDE with fact sheets, practice questions and more.
More INBDE information and resources
Updated information on the INBDE was shared during a webinar that was held on April 20, 2022. The recording is available below and provides information that faculty and students need to know to prepare for the transition of discontinuing the NBDE examinations. Also, you can download a slide presentation of the INBDE Update (PDF).
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.
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.
- Submit an application to the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).
- 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.
- Receive an eligibility email from the JCNDE confirming that you are ready to schedule your examination.
View the guide (PDF)
View INBDE Certificate of Eligibility (PDF)
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.
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.
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 |
If you have successfully completed the INBDE and want to purchase a National Board certificate, log in with your DENTPIN and password.
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.
For a complete history of the INBDE, along with details on the examination’s purpose and content, visit this page.
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. The Department of Testing Services needs volunteer subject matter experts to assist with test construction. Volunteers may also earn CE credit.