National Board Dental Examination Part I
Step 1: Read the NBDE Part I Guide
Please review the Guide, specifically the Eligibility Requirements, Rules of Conduct, Test Regulations, Irregularities/Appeals, Testing Procedures, the Testing Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions. During the application process you will be asked to confirm that you have read the Guide and agree to the rules and regulations contained within the document. Candidates are responsible for understanding the information contained within the Guide. Candidates who violate exam rules or regulations may have their exam scores voided and wait up to two years to retest.
- NBDE Part I Guide (PDF)
- Arbitration Agreement (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Test Day Checklist (PDF)
Step 2: Obtain a DENTPIN® and Apply for the Examination (No Refund)
Before you can apply to take the examination, you must obtain a DENTPIN. Click here for more information on DENTPIN®.
Examination fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (no exceptions). Your credit card will be charged when you submit your application.
NBDE Part I Electronic Application
Electronic Notification of NBDE Part I Eligibility
Upon processing of a candidate's NBDE Part I application, candidates will receive an e-mail notification of eligibility for testing and instructions for appointment scheduling. (Please check your Spam folder if unable to locate the notification, especially Hotmail, Gmail, and Yahoo accounts.)
Step 3: Schedule a Time to Take the Examination
You must apply to take the examination with the ADA and receive your eligibility e-mail prior to scheduling your testing appointment with Prometric. Examinations are administered year-round at Prometric Test Centers in the United States, its territories including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada.
- Sample Test Items (PDF)
Advanced Scheduling
To increase the likelihood you will receive your first choice of date, time and location, you should schedule 60 to 90 days before the desired testing date. Please remember, you may schedule your testing appointment with Prometric only upon receipt of your eligibility e-mail.
Rescheduling Testing Appointments
Rescheduling your testing appointment will result in a rescheduling fee.
Canceling Testing Appointments
Canceling your testing appointment will result in a complete forfeiture of your examination fee (as noted in Step 2 above, examination fees are nonrefundable).
Step 4: Take the Examination at a Prometric Test Center
Prometric Test Centers begin replacing current markers and dry erase boards with laminated note boards and low-odor fine tip permanent markers as supplies are depleted. Erasers will not be provided; however, candidates will receive two laminated note boards and two permanent markers. Candidates may raise their hand to notify the proctor for additional note boards and markers.
Candidates who experience concerns about scheduling issues, testing conditions, or any unresolved problem should inform the Test Administrator before leaving the test center and record this information in the appropriate section of the post-test survey. For issues requiring further action, candidates must contact the Joint Commission office within five business days of the testing appointment.
NBDE Part I Tutorial
The link below provides online access to the NBDE Part I Tutorial and a preview of the NBDE Part I format.
Helpful Prometric Links- Prometric Privacy Policy
- Biometric Enabled Check-In on Test Day
- What to Expect on Test Day (You-Tube Video)
- Test Takers FAQs
Step 5: Score Reports
The application fee includes one score report for you and one for the dean of the accredited dental school you are attending or have attended. Your score report will be mailed to you at the address indicated on your application approximately four weeks after your testing appointment.
Effective February 2011, the mailing address for the candidate score report will be printed on the Notice of Completion (received at the completion of the testing session). Candidates must check the accuracy of their mailing addresses and contact the JCNDE office within five business days to report any corrections.
If you want to report scores to additional schools or programs or want an additional report for yourself, the fee is $30 for each additional score report. Please do not request additional score reports if you tested less than four weeks ago. Official scores are not available to fulfill requests until approximately four weeks after your testing appointment.
Processing of additional score report requests requires approximately four weeks.
Designate on the electronic form below where you want to send an additional score report or download and complete the PDF document below.
You can send additional reports from your most recent exam to: dental school(s), other institution(s), or send a report to yourself.
- Send Additional Score Report(s) (Electronic)
- Send Additional Score Report(s) (PDF)
To have your examination results audited, complete the form below and submit the appropriate fee:
Purpose of the Examination
The purpose of the examination is to assist state boards in determining qualifications of dentists who seek licensure to practice dentistry. The examination assesses the ability to understand important information from basic biomedical and dental sciences and also the ability to apply such information in a problem-solving context.
Contact Information
Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60611
800-232-1694
Email: nbexams@ada.org
