NBDE Part I

What is the NBDE Part I?

The National Board Dental Examination Part I (NBDE Part I) is a critical assessment for dental students in the United States, focusing on foundational knowledge in biomedical and dental sciences. It is typically taken by students after their second year of dental school as a step toward licensure. Passing this exam is essential for advancing to clinical training and eventual dental practice, and it is administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE).

💡 Tips for Passing the NBDE Part I

1. Focus heavily on Oral Anatomy and Occlusion — it carries the highest weight on the exam.
2. Don't neglect lower-weight topics like Oral Surgery and Pain Control and Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry — they can make the difference between pass and fail.
3. There's no penalty for wrong answers — always attempt every question.
4. With 5 options per question, eliminate at least 2 choices before guessing to significantly improve your odds.
5. Use clinical vignettes and case-based practice to build pattern recognition.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about NBDE Part I