National Board Dental Examination

National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) is the United States national dental examination for students and professionals in dentistry. It is required for licensure in the United States and may also be required when applying for postgraduate studies in dental specialities after completing a dental degree. Foreign-trained dentists also must take the NBDE in order to earn admission into advanced standing programs in US dental schools. Beginning January 2011, repeating NBDE I or NBDE II once earning a passing score (75 or higher) will be forbidden, unless required by a state board or relevant regulatory agency.^{[1] [2]}

Starting in 2012 the NBDE exams will be graded on a PASS/FAIL basis only.^[3]

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

References

1. ^ "National Board Dental Examination Part I 2011 Guide". Eligibility for Reexamination. Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. p. 5. http://www.ada.org/sections/educationAndCareers/pdfs/nbde01_examinee_guide.pdf. Retrieved 31 July 2011. 
2. ^ "National Board Dental Examination Part II 2011 Guide". Eligibility for Reexamination. Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. p. 5. http://www.ada.org/sections/educationAndCareers/pdfs/nbde02_examinee_guide.pdf. Retrieved 31 July 2011. 
3. ^ "The Future of Licensure". Understanding Licensure. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/5443.aspx. Retrieved 31 July 2011.