Foreign-trained dentists also must take the NBDE in order to earn admission into advanced standing programs in US dental schools.
NBDE I consists of 400 multiple choice questions emphasizing basic sciences: NBDE II requires two days and focuses on clinical dental topics: Since 2012, the NBDE exams have been graded on a PASS/FAIL basis only, with no scores being issued, unless one failed, in which case they will receive their score with details.
[1] If a student passes, they are not allowed to take the exam again, unless required by a state board or relevant regulatory agency.
The test's original purpose was to assist the state in making licensure decisions, not as a criterion for specialty programs.
The JCNDE felt the NBDE was an unreliable indicator of success in specialties, so they removed the scoring completely.