What is the NBDE and who needs to take it?

The National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) is a two-part standardized licensing exam administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). It is required for dental licensure in most US states and Canadian provinces. Dental students typically take Part I after completing their basic science coursework and Part II during their clinical years. Some states and licensing authorities have begun transitioning to the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination), so candidates should verify current requirements with their state dental board.

How many questions are on the NBDE Part I and Part II?

NBDE Part I contains 400 questions administered over 8 hours in a single day, covering anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and pathology. Part II contains 500 questions administered over 10 hours (typically split over two days), covering the eight clinical dental science disciplines. Both parts are delivered as computer-based tests at Prometric testing centers. A portion of questions on each part are unscored pretest items used for future exam development.

Is a printed PDF useful for NBDE study?

Yes — a printed NBDE practice test PDF is especially useful for reviewing terminology-heavy content like anatomical landmarks, drug classifications, and cavity nomenclature where physical annotation and repeated scanning speed memorization. Use the PDF to identify weak areas by domain, then return to timed online practice tests to replicate the computer-based exam environment and work through clinical case scenarios that are difficult to reproduce in print format.

What is the passing score for the NBDE?

Candidates must achieve a score of 75 or higher on both NBDE Part I and Part II. Scores are reported on a scale of 0–100 based on the number of correctly answered scored questions. There is no penalty for guessing, so answering every question is always advisable. Candidates who do not pass may retake the exam after a mandatory waiting period; check the JCNDE website for current retake policies and eligibility requirements.

NBDE National Board Dental Examination Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026)

Download a free NBDE practice test PDF. Print and study offline for the National Board Dental Examination for dental licensure.

NBDE - National Board Dental ExaminationMay 4, 20264 min read

Free NBDE Practice Test PDF Download

The National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) is the two-part licensing exam required for dental licensure in most US states. Administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), the NBDE tests candidates on both foundational biomedical sciences (Part I) and applied clinical dental sciences (Part II). Our free printable PDF covers high-yield questions from both parts so you can study away from your screen.

Part I draws 400 questions over 8 hours and covers basic sciences, while Part II presents 500 questions over 10 hours with a heavy focus on case-based clinical decision-making. Download the PDF below, then supplement with our full online question bank for timed practice.

📄Download Free NBDE PDF

NBDE Exam Fast Facts

What the NBDE Covers by Part

Part I — Biomedical Sciences

Part I tests foundational knowledge across anatomy (head and neck structures, dental anatomy, tooth morphology), biochemistry and physiology (enzyme kinetics, nutrition, cell biology, organ system physiology), and microbiology and pathology (bacterial virulence, sterilization, host defense mechanisms, systemic and oral pathology). Questions are integrated rather than siloed by discipline, so expect cross-cutting scenarios that combine anatomy with physiology or microbiology with pathology.

Part II — Dental Sciences

Part II is organized into eight major subject areas. Endodontics covers access preparation, instrumentation, obturation, and diagnosis of pulpal pathology. Operative dentistry tests cavity classification, preparation design, restorative material selection, and occlusal principles. Oral medicine, oral diagnosis, and radiology includes lesion identification, radiographic interpretation, and differential diagnosis of common oral conditions.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers extraction techniques, surgical anatomy, and management of complications. Orthodontics and pediatric dentistry tests Angle classification, mixed dentition analysis, and pulp therapy in primary teeth. Patient management, pharmacology, and anesthesia covers drug interactions, local anesthetic selection, and medically compromised patient protocols. Periodontics tests probing, classification of periodontal disease (2017 AAP/EFP classification), and non-surgical and surgical treatment planning. Prosthodontics covers complete and partial denture principles, implant prosthetics, and occlusal schemes.

Free NBDE Practice Tests Online

The PDF gives you a portable question set for offline review, but Part II of the NBDE relies heavily on clinical vignettes and case exhibits that benefit from the interactive online format. Complement your PDF sessions with our full NBDE practice test online, where each question includes a detailed explanation referencing clinical guidelines and board-relevant reasoning. Practicing in a timed environment also prepares you for the sustained concentration required across Part I and Part II testing days.

Focus your PDF review on weak subject areas identified during online practice, then use the answer key to build a targeted study list before test day.

Join the Discussion

Connect with other students preparing for this exam. Share tips, ask questions, and get advice from people who have been there.

View discussion (2 replies)