National Board Dental Exam Scores

Can you tell me in detail about the scoring process in National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) conducted by Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE)?

[Shaleen]

National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) is US national dental exam for students and professionals in dentistry. It is required for licensure in US and may also be required when applying for postgraduate studies in dental specialties after completing a dental degree.

Foreign-trained dentists also must take it in order to earn admission into advanced standing programs in US dental schools.

National Board Dental Exam Scores

Since 2012 the NBDE exams have been graded on a PASS/FAIL basis only, with no scores being issued unless one failed he will receive his score with details.

If a student passes they are not allowed to take the exam again, unless required by a state board or relevant regulatory agency.

The Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) changed the test to pass/fail because the test was being used as a measuring stick for students getting into specialty programs.

National Board Dental Exam Paper Pattern

NBDE I consists of 400 multiple choice questions emphasizing basic sciences:
1. Human Anatomy, Embryology, and Histology
2. Biochemistry and Physiology
3. Microbiology and Pathology
4. Dental Anatomy and Occlusion.

NBDE II requires two days and focuses on clinical dental topics:
1. Endodontics
2. Operative Dentistry
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Pain Control
4. Oral Diagnosis
5. Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry
6. Patient Management, including Behavioral Science, Dental Public Health and Occupational Safety
7. Periodontics
8. Pharmacology
9. Prosthodontics