INBDE FAQ: format, scoring, retakes and this site
Quick answers. Exam facts come from the official 2026 Candidate Guide.
What is the INBDE?
The Integrated National Board Dental Examination is the national dental board exam governed by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), an agency of the ADA, and administered by Prometric in the United States and Canada. All US licensing jurisdictions currently recognize it.
How long is the INBDE and how many questions are there?
It has 500 multiple-choice items over two days, in six 105-minute sections. Total scheduled time, including optional tutorials, breaks and survey, is 12 hours 30 minutes.
What is a passing score?
Results are pass or fail. The decision is based on a scale score from 49 to 99, and 75 is the minimum passing score. Scale scores are not raw percentages.
Is there a penalty for guessing?
No. Candidates are not penalized for guessing, so answer every item.
How soon do I get results?
The program aims to report within four weeks of your test date; in most cases results come within three weeks. You view them in your DENTPIN account.
How many times can I retake the INBDE?
After an unsuccessful attempt you must wait at least 60 days, with a maximum of four administrations in any 12 months. You must also pass within five years of your first attempt or five attempts, whichever comes first.
How much does the INBDE cost?
The 2026 Candidate Guide lists an examination fee of $890, plus a $435 processing fee for students or graduates of programs not accredited by CODA. Fees change, so confirm on the official site.
What is a patient case or patient box?
A case item gives a patient description followed by several questions that refer to it. 200 of the 500 items are case-based (60 on Day 1 and 140 on Day 2).
Are the questions on this site real exam questions?
No. They are practice questions for education only. They are not actual exam items and may contain errors.
Is INBDE Prep free, and do I need an account?
It is free and needs no account.
Where is my progress saved?
In your own browser. Export a backup from Settings to keep a copy or move devices.
Does it work offline?
After your first visit, most of the study board works offline in the same browser.