INBDE eligibility, fees and retake rules
This page collects the official application steps, fees and retake limits. Check the current Candidate Guide before you pay for anything.
Applying
- Get a DENTPIN (a unique personal identifier) at ada.org/dentpin, or retrieve your existing one.
- Submit an application and fee through the INBDE program website. A new application and fee are needed for every attempt.
- After your application is processed and eligibility confirmed, you receive an eligibility email and are eligible to test for six months (sometimes less).
- Schedule your two testing days with Prometric.
Who is eligible
- Current students of a CODA-accredited program, once the dean (or designee) confirms they are prepared in all applicable disciplines.
- Former students who are admitted or conditionally admitted to another CODA-accredited program.
- Dentists who graduated from a CODA-accredited program: ADA active, life or retired members qualify without extra documents; others provide proof of their degree.
- Candidates from programs not accredited by CODA qualify through a separate route with additional documentation.
Fees (2026 guide, US dollars)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination fee | $890 |
| Processing fee for students or graduates of programs not accredited by CODA | $435 |
| INBDE plus DLOSCE bundle | $1,080 |
| Additional results report (optional) | $55 per report |
| Results audit (optional) | $105 |
| 45-day eligibility extension (once per application) | $150 |
| Rescheduling with 30+ business days notice | $50 |
| Rescheduling with 5 to 29 business days notice | $70 |
| Rescheduling with 1 to 4 business days notice | $150 |
Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are more than 30 minutes late and refused admission, or do not appear, the full testing fee is forfeited.
Retake rules
- People who pass may not retake the exam unless a board requires it.
- After an unsuccessful attempt, wait at least 60 days, and take no more than four administrations in any 12 months.
- Five years / five attempts: you must pass within five years of your first attempt or within five attempts, whichever comes first. After that you may test once every six months.
- Candidates are encouraged to seek formal remediation before re-examination.
Accommodations
If you need testing accommodations, request them as part of the application process and wait for your eligibility email with approved accommodations before scheduling.
Source: JCNDE 2026 INBDE Candidate Guide (updated December 2025). Rules and fees change, so always confirm on the official INBDE site before you apply.