NBDE Part II - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

The NBDE Part II is a computer-based exam consisting of approximately 500 multiple-choice questions, administered in two sessions over two days. The questions are primarily case-based, presenting detailed patient scenarios followed by a series of related questions. The exam is divided into four sections, each covering a blend of disciplines: Discipline-Based Test Items and Case-Based Test Items. The content integrates knowledge from all eight major areas: Endodontics, Operative Dentistry, Oral Medicine/Diagnosis, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Patient Management, Pediatric Dentistry, and Periodontics. It focuses on diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical management.

The NBDE Part II uses a pass/fail scoring system. A standard passing score is 75, which represents a converted score, not a percentage. Your score report will indicate 'PASS' or 'FAIL' and will include a numerical score. Additionally, you will receive a diagnostic profile showing your performance in each of the major content areas, which can be useful for identifying strengths and weaknesses, though this profile does not affect the pass/fail decision.

NBDE Part I focuses on the basic biomedical sciences (e.g., Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology) and dental anatomy. It tests foundational knowledge. NBDE Part II is clinically oriented, emphasizing the application of that foundational knowledge to patient care. It covers the clinical dental disciplines and assesses skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making. Part II is typically taken after significant clinical experience in dental school, while Part I is often taken earlier in the curriculum.

To be eligible, you must be a student in good standing at a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), or a graduate of such a program. You must also have passed NBDE Part I or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). International dental graduates must have their credentials evaluated and approved by the JCNDE. All candidates must submit an application and fee to the JCNDE for authorization to test.

Yes, you may retake the exam. The JCNDE allows a maximum of five attempts to pass each Part (I and II) with certain waiting periods between attempts. It is crucial to review the most current JCNDE policies, as rules regarding retakes and attempt limits are subject to change. After an unsuccessful attempt, carefully analyze your diagnostic profile to target your study efforts before re-testing.