US Dental Board Exams Explained
To get licensed as a dentist in the USA, you need to pass two types of exams: a written national board (INBDE) and a state clinical board exam. Here's everything you need to know.
Written National Board: INBDE
The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) replaced the old two-part NBDE in 2020. It is now the single written board exam required for dental licensure in all 50 US states.
- • Format: 400 items (single and multiple-response), 2 days
- • Domains: Biomedical sciences, Clinical sciences, Clinical judgment
- • Who takes it: All dental graduates — US and international (after enrolling in an ASP or meeting direct eligibility)
- • Passing score: 75 (scaled score)
Clinical Board Exams
After the INBDE, you must pass a clinical (hands-on) board exam. Which exam you take depends on which states accept it. Most states accept ADEX, making it the most flexible choice.
WREB
Western Regional Examining Board
States: AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY
Required for California (West Coast focus)
CRDTS
Central Regional Dental Testing Service
States: IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI + others
Used primarily in Midwest states
SRTA
Southern Regional Testing Agency
States: AL, AR, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA + others
Required for several Southern states
ADEX
American Board of Dental Examiners
States: Accepted in 38+ states
Most portable option — accepted in most US states including TX, FL, NY, IL