INBDE and Foreign-trained Dentists
Welcome foreign trained dentist! I understand that you’re here with the goal of getting your dental license and practicing dentistry. It can be a daunting task to navigate the dental licensure process, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you. Below is some basic information regarding the INBDE, which is the newest and most updated dental licensure exam, and how you can pass it as a foreign trained dentist.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the purpose of the INBDE. The INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) is a two-part, written exam that evaluates the knowledge and skills of individuals seeking licensure to practice dentistry in the United States. The exam was created to replace the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), which was previously used by most states as a licensure exam. The INBDE is currently used by several states in the US, with more states planning to adopt it in the near future. The exam assesses the ability to apply biomedical and dental sciences in the context of patient care and includes content on all aspects of dental practice.
Now, let’s dive into how you can pass the INBDE as a foreign trained dentist. The first step is to make sure you have a thorough understanding of the exam content. The exam is divided into two parts, Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 covers the basic biomedical and dental sciences, while Part 2 covers clinical dental subjects. It’s important to review the exam content thoroughly and identify areas where you may need additional study. You can find the content outline for both parts of the INBDE on the ADA (American Dental Association) website.
The next step is to familiarize yourself with the exam format. The INBDE is a computer-based exam, and you’ll have a total of 12 hours to complete both parts. Part 1 consists of 360 multiple-choice questions, while Part 2 consists of 140 case-based, multiple-choice questions. It’s important to practice with sample questions and past exams to get a feel for the format and pace of the exam.
Once you have a solid understanding of the exam content and format, it’s time to create a study plan. It’s important to give yourself enough time to prepare for the exam, ideally several months. You can start by setting aside a certain amount of time each day or week to study and reviewing the content in small chunks. Make sure to incorporate practice questions and exams into your study plan so that you can gauge your progress and identify areas where you may need additional study.
It’s also important to utilize resources available to you. There are many resources available to help you prepare for the INBDE, including study guides, review courses, and online forums. You may want to consider enrolling in a review course or working with a tutor to help guide your study and ensure that you’re on the right track. The best study resource can be found right here!
Another important aspect of preparing for the INBDE is understanding the requirements for licensure in the state where you plan to practice. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, and it’s important to understand these requirements before you begin the licensure process. Some states may require additional exams or documentation, so make sure to do your research and understand what’s required of you.
Finally, it’s important to stay motivated and focused throughout the licensure process. Studying for and taking the INBDE can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but remember that it’s a necessary step towards achieving your goal of practicing dentistry in the US. Keep a positive attitude and remind yourself of why you’re doing this. It may also be helpful to connect with other foreign trained dentists who are going through the same process, either online or in person. Good luck! You can do this!
This article has been adapted from the resources found on the JCNDE website.
