The INBDE is now the standard written licensure exam used across all U.S. dental licensing jurisdictions.
If you are preparing now, the biggest advantage is using current official policy (not old NBDE-era advice) and building a plan around the actual two-day exam format.
- The INBDE is a two-day, 500-item exam administered at Prometric centers.
- Current official 2026 fee is $890, with an additional $435 processing fee for non-CODA candidates.
- Results are typically posted in about 3-4 weeks and are reported as pass/fail.
- You must wait at least 60 days between unsuccessful attempts and cannot test more than four times in 12 months.
- Best prep combines official JCNDE materials, timed mixed practice, and review of weak domains.
What Is the INBDE Exam?
The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) is the high-stakes written licensure examination overseen by the JCNDE (Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations).
According to the official INBDE page, it is designed to evaluate whether candidates can apply clinical judgment for safe, entry-level dental practice.
INBDE Structure and Timing (2026)
Based on the official 2026 INBDE Candidate Guide:
| Day | Questions | Total Test Time |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 360 | 8 hours 15 minutes |
| Day 2 | 140 | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Total | 500 | 12 hours 30 minutes |
The exam integrates biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences in case-based and standalone formats, rather than testing isolated memorization only.
INBDE Fees and Costs (2026)
Officially listed in JCNDE sources:
- INBDE examination fee: $890
- Additional processing fee for candidates from non-CODA schools: $435
- Eligibility extension request (45 days): $150
- Results audit fee (optional): $105
You can verify current details on the INBDE Apply page and in the 2026 Candidate Guide.
Eligibility and Retake Rules
At a high level, you need a DENTPIN and an approved application before scheduling with Prometric.
For candidates from non-CODA-accredited schools, JCNDE requires additional eligibility documentation.
Key policy points from official 2026 guidance:
- Minimum wait after an unsuccessful attempt: 60 days
- Maximum administrations in a 12-month period: 4
- You must pass within 5 years of first attempt or 5 attempts, whichever comes first
Always confirm current policy language in the Candidate Guide, since examination program updates can occur.
Scoring and Results
The INBDE is reported as pass/fail.
Per the official INBDE Results page, candidates who pass are reported as "pass," while unsuccessful candidates receive performance information for remediation.
Official timelines indicate results are typically available in about 3-4 weeks after your examination date.
How Hard Is the INBDE?
Most students find the exam demanding because of integration and endurance, not because every item is extremely obscure.
Common difficulty drivers:
- switching between disciplines within one test flow
- interpreting patient scenarios under time pressure
- maintaining concentration over a two-day testing schedule
- balancing clinical reasoning with foundational sciences and ethics/jurisprudence
How to Prepare for the INBDE (Practical Plan)
1) Anchor your prep to official materials first
Use the INBDE Prepare page, the Candidate Guide, and official INBDE practice questions before relying heavily on secondary sources.
2) Build prep in three phases
| Phase | Main Goal | Suggested Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Fill high-yield knowledge gaps | Domain review + targeted notes |
| Application | Improve clinical decision speed | Timed mixed sets + case practice |
| Execution | Match real exam conditions | Full-length simulation blocks + deep review |
3) Review mistakes by category
After timed work, label misses as:
- content gap
- interpretation/clinical reasoning miss
- time-management miss
- careless error
This is usually where most score movement comes from.
4) Keep resources focused
Using too many platforms at once tends to reduce retention and consistency.
For structured prep options, start with one primary system and only add targeted supplements. You can compare options on our INBDE prep course page and deeper reviews.
Recommended INBDE Resources
A focused stack typically includes:
- official JCNDE resources and practice questions
- one primary question-bank/video platform
- lightweight spaced-repetition for weak areas
If useful, you can benchmark popular options here:
FAQ: INBDE Exam 2026
How much does the INBDE cost in 2026?
The official examination fee is $890. Candidates from non-CODA schools pay an additional $435 processing fee.
How many questions are on the INBDE?
The INBDE has 500 questions total across two days.
Is there a numeric passing score on INBDE?
Operational reporting is pass/fail. The 2026 Candidate Guide states that a scaled score of 75 represents the minimum passing standard, while passing candidates are reported as pass.
How long does it take to get INBDE results?
Results are typically available in about 3-4 weeks after your exam date.
How many times can I retake INBDE?
You must wait at least 60 days after an unsuccessful attempt, cannot test more than four times in a 12-month period, and must pass within five years of your first attempt or five attempts (whichever comes first).
What should I do first if I am starting from zero?
Start by reading the official Candidate Guide, then map a study timeline and choose one core prep system. If you need one, use this INBDE discount page to reduce cost before buying access.