INBDE Question Types & Strategies
Preparing for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) can feel overwhelming, but understanding the exam’s structure and question types will set you up for success. The INBDE is a multiple-choice exam administered over two days, testing a wide range of dental knowledge and clinical reasoning skills. This guide will break down the various question formats you’ll encounter on the exam, such as standalone questions and case set questions. We’ll also share expert INBDE test-taking tips to help you maximize your score. By familiarizing yourself with these strategies and understanding how the INBDE is structured, you can approach the exam with confidence and increase your chances of passing.
[ READ NEXT: What’s Tested on the INBDE? ]
How many questions are on the INBDE?
The two-day INBDE exam consists of 500 multiple-choice questions. On the first day, test-takers will complete 360 questions, and on the second day, test-takers will face 140 questions. Each INBDE question includes a stem that presents a problem, followed by a list of possible answer choices. The stem may take the form of a direct question or an incomplete statement that the answer options are designed to complete. Each question will offer three to five answer choices, with only one correct response.
How many questions do you have to get right to pass the INBDE?
INBDE results are reported as pass/fail. There is not a specific number of questions you need to get right to pass. Performance on the INBDE is based on a scaled score, and the minimum scaled score to pass is 75. The JCNDE does not provide the number of questions answered correctly to test-takers who pass. If you do not pass the INBDE, you can retake the exam after a 60-day waiting period.
[ KEEP READING: INBDE Scoring System ]
INBDE Question Types
While all INBDE questions are multiple-choice, some questions will appear as standalone items, and others will be part of question sets accompanied by case materials such as dental charts and patient boxes. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of questions you will encounter on the INBDE.
INBDE Standalone Questions
Standalone questions are INBDE questions that are independent of each other. They may or may not contain a patient box. They test knowledge of individual facts, concepts, or principles. Sections 1-3 on the INBDE consist of 100 standalone questions each, totaling 300 items.
INBDE Standalone Question Example
Review the example below of an INBDE standalone practice question.
The maxillary and mandibular primate spaces have which tooth in common?
A) Canine
B) First molar
C) First premolar
D) Second molar
E) Second premolar
Answer Explanation
The correct answer is A. Primate spaces are naturally occurring in small spaces in the anterior primary dentition. They provide a small degree of room, in addition to that provided by other factors, for the slightly larger permanent dentition. Maxillary primate spaces are located between canines and first molars. Both arches involve canine teeth.
INBDE Patient Boxes
Some standalone questions on the INBDE involve a patient box. A patient box presents information available to the practitioner during a patient’s visit. This information can include:
- Demographics: Sex, age, and potential ethnicity.
- Chief Complaint: As described by the patient or guardian.
- Patient History: Social history, medical conditions, medications, allergies, history of dental diagnosis, and treatment.
- Current Findings: Information collected by dental professionals during the current visit, such as height, weight, vital signs, results of diagnostic tests, and a general assessment of the patient’s condition.
If no information is given in a specific area of the patient box, it should be assumed that the information is either unknown or unavailable. It’s crucial to consider all information presented in the patient box when answering INBDE questions.
INBDE Patient Box Question Example
Review the example below of an INBDE practice question that features a patient box.
What is the most likely reason for the tooth fracture?
A) Improper convenience form
B) Poor outline form
C) Poor resistance form
D) Poor retention form
Answer Explanation
The correct answer is C. Resistance form is the shape and placement of preparation walls that best enables both the restoration and the tooth to withstand masticatory forces without fracture. Since the patient’s tooth chipped while chewing food, poor resistance form is the most likely reason for the fracture.
INBDE Case Set Questions
INBDE case set questions are sets of questions that are associated with a patient case or scenario. These questions require you to integrate information from the case to answer multiple related questions. This contrasts with standalone questions, which test knowledge of individual facts or concepts. Sections 4-6 on the INBDE consist of 200 case set questions. These questions will be accompanied by a patient box, or by a patient box and other stimulus material such as:
- Images
- Radiographs
- Lab reports
- Dental charts
- Illustrations
- Prescriptions
INBDE Test-Taking Tips & Strategies
Review the following INBDE test-taking tips and strategies and learn how to maximize your exam score.
Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Dr. Swati Ahuja BDS, MDS, a project leader on Kaplan’s content team and a prosthodontist with over 15 years of diverse experience in dental education, scientific writing, and clinical practice.
