5 Smart Tips to Start Preparing for INBDE Successfully
HERE'S YOUR 5 STEP GUIDE TO ACE THE INBDE
Written By:
Dr. Harman Kaur
BDS
Reviewed By:
Dr. Sujit Pradhan
Co-Founder & Mentor, Simpli Boards
Table of Content:
STEP 1: All about INBDE
The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) is governed by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) and is administered by Prometric test centers across the United States and Canada. The exam is one of the most important milestones for anyone who aspires to practice dentistry in the U.S. or Canada.
The purpose of the INBDE is simple yet crucial—it assists dental boards in determining whether a candidate possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for safe and effective dental practice. In other words, passing this exam demonstrates that you are ready to treat patients in accordance with U.S. standards.
The INBDE is offered year-round, subject to Prometric test center availability. Unlike older board exams such as NBDE Part I and Part II, the INBDE is an integrated, case-based exam that combines clinical knowledge with applied sciences. This makes it more practical and closer to real-world dentistry.
Know about the exam structure
The exam is conducted over two consecutive days:
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Day 1: 8 hours 15 minutes, consisting of 360 multiple-choice questions (300 standalone + 60 case-based questions).
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Day 2: 4 hours 15 minutes, consisting of 140 case-based questions.
That’s 500 questions in total, spread across clinical and biomedical sciences.
This structure tests not just your recall but also your ability to apply knowledge in context—a major shift from the NBDE days.
Example of standalone MCQ
What are case based box questions?
In the INBDE, case-based box questions are built around a detailed patient scenario. A “patient box” typically includes:
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Patient demographics (age, gender)
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Medical and dental history
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Clinical findings and radiographs
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Laboratory results or treatment history
Several questions then follow, all based on that one patient case.
At Simpli Boards, our practice platform replicates this style with realistic patient boxes, giving students a strong sense of the real exam format.
For further details, Visit the JCNDE Website
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO TAKE INBDE?
INBDE is the first step in getting a license to practice in the United States. Eligibility requirements for INBDE depends upon the candidate’s educational background; whether he has been educated by a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or not and current stage of education ( current student or graduated). Dental graduates from accredited program means those who have graduated from CODA accredited programs like four year dental programs like DDS or DMD or residency program like specializations. A foreign educated dentist can obtain a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree from a CODA-accredited program by attending an advanced standing program in the United States. An advanced standing program allows an individual to complete the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree within two to three years of study. For detailed information on eligibility, visit or download the JCNDE Document from here.
Always refer to the latest updates from the JCNDE and ADA to ensure that you have the accurate and current information regarding eligibility requirements and other information for the INBDE.
STEP 2: Creating Your DENTPIN
Your DENTPIN (Dental Personal Identifier Number) is an eight-digit unique identifier required for:
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INBDE registration
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ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) verification
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ADEA CAAPID and PASS applications
Think of it as your digital ID for every step of the process.
Creating a DENTPIN is simple:
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Visit the ADA website.
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Fill out your basic details (name, DOB, email, education).
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Receive your DENTPIN instantly by email.
It usually takes less than 10 minutes but is a critical step. Without it, you cannot move forward with exam applications.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a permanent email ID when creating your DENTPIN. Many students use their university ID, which expires after graduation—leading to lost communication.
STEP 3: ECE Verification
All candidates educated by non-CODA-accredited dental programs must have their educational degree confirmed through Educational Credential Evaluators Inc. (ECE). ECE prepares reports providing confirmation of candidate educational degrees earned in other countries and also calculates GPA (Grade Point Average), which is an assessment of the progress of your education in your home country .It is calculated on a scale of 1.0 to 4.0 and constitutes an important part of admission process as different universities have set their own standards for GPA and other parameters. For registration of exams and then later admission to the dental schools through CAAPID or PASS application you have to get a Course by course report which usually costs $195. Check the most updated guidelines at the ECE website.
STEP 4: APPLYING FOR THE EXAM
Once you have completed all the above steps, you can now proceed to applying for your INBDE exam by filling up the application. You will be required to fill up the application and pay the examination fee at this step. After the application has been reviewed and processed by JCNDE, candidates will be eligible to test for a six-month period. Thus, it is advisable to be aware of each detail of the exam and plan accordingly.
Sample of Approval report
To apply for the exam visit the ADA website here.
FOR LATEST UPDATES ON FEE AND OTHER EXAM UPDATES, ALWAYS VISIT THE JCNDE WEBSITE.
On receiving your eligibility , you can schedule your exam through PROMETRIC by following the below link ADA – American Dental Association | Prometric
Be aware of the time taken for each registration step , preparation time and visa requirements. A well formulated plan can save a lot of time and we have been guiding our candidates to utilise their precious time in the most benefitting way.
Visa Requirements
We highly recommend not to neglect the visa part and work on it from the beginning .You should at least have a B1/B2 visa for entering the US to appear for the exam. Below link will provide information on the visa types and requirements.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
STEP 5: Preparing for Your INBDE Exam
This is one of the most important aspects in your INBDE journey. WHICH HAS TO BE PLANNED IN BEGINNING Although, there are many free as well as paid resources for INBDE online,YOU TUBE CHANNELS it’s advisable to join a trusted prep course for the latest updated material and exam pattern which is different from part 1 and part 2 administered earlier.
We at SIMPLI BOARDS have the best curated and flexible courses designed to adapt to the busy schedules of everyone and provide one on one mentorship to the candidates . With 99% passing result for first time aspirants, Our highly structured Simpli notes, critical thinking sessions ,ample box questions , live and recorded video lectures , mastermind test series , mock tests and mentor connect have helped us in maintaining 99 % passing result for the first time aspirants and many of our aspirants are enrolled in top universities of US through our admission assist services as well. Simpli Boards would definitely help you to save time,score high in this exam at affordable cost and without any mental torture.
Our success stories are what our aspirants achieve in their life, but we are overwhelmed by how vocal they are for us. Experience some of their valued words here.
To know more about our program visit our programs page or drop in an email at admin@simpliboards.com
STAY HEALTHY AND POSITIVE
It’s a challenging exam and one needs to take care of their mental as well as physical health .We advise you to keep yourself active and healthy both mentally and physically.
At Simpli Boards, we know that each one of you has different challenges while preparing for this exam. We have highly tailored courses designed to suit each one of you and help in achieving your dreams of practicing dentistry in the United States.
“If you are positive, you’ll see opportunities instead of obstacles.” – Confucious
Conclusion
5 smart tips to start preparing for INBDE is not just a catchy phrase—it’s the reality that every international dentist needs when beginning this journey. The process of taking the INBDE can feel overwhelming: eligibility checks, creating a DENTPIN, securing an ECE evaluation, applying for the exam, and finally stepping into a structured study routine. Each of these steps demands attention to detail, patience, and careful planning. Missing even one detail or underestimating the workload can slow your progress. That is why approaching the exam with strategy and clear guidance is the smartest way forward.
The INBDE is far more than just another standardized test. It is the most important gateway for international dentists seeking to practice in the United States. Unlike the older NBDE Part I and Part II exams, the INBDE is integrated, clinically focused, and designed to measure how well you apply science and clinical knowledge in real scenarios. That makes it both rigorous and rewarding. Memorization alone will not work; you must learn to reason clinically, connect biomedical concepts with patient cases, and think critically under time pressure. For many students, this is the hardest part, and it’s why starting with a clear plan is so important.
At Simpli Boards, we’ve shaped our entire program to answer that exact question—where and how do you start? Our courses are built around a proven roadmap that begins with the fundamentals and grows into advanced problem-solving. From your first day, you’ll know how to structure your time, what to study first, and how to balance learning with practice. Whether you are a working dentist, a busy parent, or a recent graduate, our mentors help you design a study plan that is both sustainable and effective.
The support doesn’t stop with study schedules. Simpli Boards offers high-yield notes, critical thinking workshops, realistic patient box cases, full-length mock tests, and direct mentor guidance. Every tool is designed to mirror the actual exam so that you are not just knowledgeable—you are exam-ready. By the time you take the INBDE, you will know exactly how to approach questions, manage your time, and handle test-day pressure with confidence.
Another unique strength of Simpli Boards is our focus on community and mentorship. Preparing for such a high-stakes exam can feel isolating, especially for international dentists. That’s why we emphasize group study sessions, peer networks, and mentor connect opportunities. When you’re part of this community, you’re never preparing alone—you have encouragement, accountability, and motivation at every step.
Beyond the INBDE itself, we also support your larger career journey. With guidance for CAAPID and PASS admissions, TOEFL coaching, and interview preparation, we ensure you are ready for the full pathway to becoming a U.S.-licensed dentist. The INBDE is the first milestone, but your ultimate goal is thriving in dental school and in your professional career—and that’s where we stand by you.
So, if you’re still asking yourself how to begin, remember this: start with structure, start with mentorship, and start with 5 smart tips to start preparing for INBDE. With Simpli Boards, you’ll not only prepare for the exam—you’ll prepare for success. Your dream of becoming a licensed dentist in the United States is closer than you think, and with the right guidance, it’s absolutely achievable.
5 smart tips to start preparing for INBDE is not just a catchy phrase—it’s the reality that every international dentist needs when beginning this journey. The process of taking the INBDE can feel overwhelming: eligibility checks, creating a DENTPIN, securing an ECE evaluation, applying for the exam, and finally stepping into a structured study routine. Each of these steps demands attention to detail, patience, and careful planning. Missing even one detail or underestimating the workload can slow your progress. That is why approaching the exam with strategy and clear guidance is the smartest way forward.
The INBDE is far more than just another standardized test. It is the most important gateway for international dentists seeking to practice in the United States. Unlike the older NBDE Part I and Part II exams, the INBDE is integrated, clinically focused, and designed to measure how well you apply science and clinical knowledge in real scenarios. That makes it both rigorous and rewarding. Memorization alone will not work; you must learn to reason clinically, connect biomedical concepts with patient cases, and think critically under time pressure. For many students, this is the hardest part, and it’s why starting with a clear plan is so important.
At Simpli Boards, we’ve shaped our entire program to answer that exact question—where and how do you start? Our courses are built around a proven roadmap that begins with the fundamentals and grows into advanced problem-solving. From your first day, you’ll know how to structure your time, what to study first, and how to balance learning with practice. Whether you are a working dentist, a busy parent, or a recent graduate, our mentors help you design a study plan that is both sustainable and effective.
The support doesn’t stop with study schedules. Simpli Boards offers high-yield notes, critical thinking workshops, realistic patient box cases, full-length mock tests, and direct mentor guidance. Every tool is designed to mirror the actual exam so that you are not just knowledgeable—you are exam-ready. By the time you take the INBDE, you will know exactly how to approach questions, manage your time, and handle test-day pressure with confidence.
Another unique strength of Simpli Boards is our focus on community and mentorship. Preparing for such a high-stakes exam can feel isolating, especially for international dentists. That’s why we emphasize group study sessions, peer networks, and mentor connect opportunities. When you’re part of this community, you’re never preparing alone—you have encouragement, accountability, and motivation at every step.
Beyond the INBDE itself, we also support your larger career journey. With guidance for CAAPID and PASS admissions, TOEFL coaching, and interview preparation, we ensure you are ready for the full pathway to becoming a U.S.-licensed dentist. The INBDE is the first milestone, but your ultimate goal is thriving in dental school and in your professional career—and that’s where we stand by you.
So, if you’re still asking yourself how to begin, remember this: start with structure, start with mentorship, and start with 5 smart tips to start preparing for INBDE. With Simpli Boards, you’ll not only prepare for the exam—you’ll prepare for success. Your dream of becoming a licensed dentist in the United States is closer than you think, and with the right guidance, it’s absolutely achievable.
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