The INBDE replaced NBDE Part I and Part II as the comprehensive examination for licensure in U.S. dentistry. The procedural rules below are drawn from the official JCNDE INBDE Guide. Always confirm current fee amounts, scheduling rules, and accommodation procedures on the official JCNDE / ADA site before applying — the testing program updates policy periodically.

• INBDE Fee — $845. Includes official results reporting to the candidate, three licensing jurisdictions (if requested at application), and the candidate’s CODA-accredited dental school.
• Processing Fee for International Candidates. Applies to students or graduates of a dental school not in the U.S. or Canada. Confirm current amount with JCNDE.
• Rescheduling Fees. Charged when a candidate moves an existing appointment. Schedule carefully — the further from the test date, the lower the impact.

The INBDE is administered across two days:

• Day 1 — 8 hours 15 minutes. Tutorial (optional), Sections 1–4 (70 items each, item sets), scheduled and optional breaks.
• Day 2 — 4 hours 15 minutes. Tutorial (optional), Section 5 (70 items, 105 min), break, Section 6 (70 items, 105 min), post-exam survey.

Scheduled breaks are built into the timing. Any time off your seat outside a Scheduled Break is an Unscheduled Break.

During Unscheduled Breaks candidates may NOT access personal belongings or prohibited items, study, refer to notes/texts, use a telephone, eat or drink, or leave the test centre. Locker access during an unscheduled break is strictly prohibited.

Update existing test applications and score report requests through your DENTPIN portal. Candidates are responsible for identifying any corrections or omissions and must notify the testing program separately via email at [email protected].

Last-minute requested changes (medical, personal, missed appointments) may not be approved. Choose your test administration date carefully.

The Administration Vendor electronically captures the identity of each candidate biometrically — photograph, fingerprint, or palm vein scan — before testing. You must consent to these procedures before you are permitted to test.

Biometric and identifying information is retained by the Administration Vendor for identity verification across sessions and re-entry after breaks.

Reschedule or cancel through the Administration Vendor’s system. Fees apply and increase as the test date approaches.

If you anticipate any conflict — clinical rotations, family events, travel constraints — make changes as early as possible to minimise cost.

Candidates who do not appear for their scheduled appointment and have not rescheduled or cancelled in advance forfeit their fee. There is no second chance on the same registration.

If an emergency prevents you from testing — illness, family bereavement, severe weather — document the event with formal records (hospital discharge, official letters). Submit to the testing program as soon as possible.

If technical or environmental issues occur on test day (centre closure, system failure, proctor incident), notify the testing centre at the moment of the event and follow up in writing within the published timelines.

Candidates may request accommodations for documented disabilities. Applications must be submitted with appropriate supporting documentation through the JCNDE process.

Apply as early as possible. Accommodation review takes time, and approval is not automatic.

Common items that do not meet documentation requirements: self-written letters, undated photocopies, informal screenshots, social-media posts, or any documentation lacking an official letterhead, signature, or stamp.

When in doubt, ask the JCNDE or your dental school registrar — getting it right at submission saves a rejection later.