1) I am confused about INBDE exam pattern!! Can you please tell me more about it?
The INBDE is actually Integrated-NBDE, which means they combine NBDE Part 1 and NBDE Part 2 into ONE exam. Therefore, instead of taking TWO different exams on different days (Part 1 first and then take Part 2 after that), you can now take ONE exam and get it done.
Imagine Iphone 10 vs Iphone 11 – different versions, different looks but the core concept is the same with Siri, App store, Itunes etc. Part 1&2 are Iphone 10. INBDE is Iphone 11 – they don’t produce Iphone 10 anymore, only Iphone 11
So, the format is changing but not the content of the whole NBDE thingy. You will still need to have knowledge of both basic science (Part 1 content) as well as dentistry (Part 2 content). New format doesn’t mean you can study less! They will ask questions from both Part 1 and Part 2 in the new exam INBDE.
The ONLY difference between the old and new format is the TIME you spend from applying to passing the exams.
Old format: Applying for Part 1 —> Take Part 1 (1 day) —> Pass —> Applying for Part 2 —> Take Part 2 (1.5 days) —> Pass
New format: Applying for INBDE —> Take INBDE (1.5 days) —> Pass
2) Is it written exam or computerized exam?
It is computerized. You will have multiple choice type questions on computer.
Be mindful, when you read info from ADA, you will notice that NBDEs (both old and new versions) are still considered “WRITTEN” exams to distinguish with the Board “CLINICAL” exams where you have to treat patients in front of a committee (also the most important requirement to get license in any state – but I will not go into that topic today). You will take NBDEs/INBDE before applying for International Dentist Programs and the Board Clinical Exam after graduating from that program.
3) Which one do you feel easier? Taking Part 1 & 2 or INBDE?
First of all, if you are still considering taking Part 1 now and have NOT studied for it yet, I will say forget about the old version and just focus on the new version – INBDE. The Part 1 will have the cut-off day on May 31 as the last day you can take it, which is less than 2 months from now.
If you have been preparing for NBDE Part 1 and now facing the choice either going for Part 1 & Part 2 route or INBDE route, I will say INBDE is easier. Why?
Regarding the stress, INBDE is less stressful because you can finish the exam in 1.5 days. You don’t have to apply for 2 exams, pay money for 2 exams, wait for the response from JCNDE twice, go to test center twice, wait for the results twice, spend 2.5 days for exams (1 day for Part 1 and 1.5 days for Part 2). Imagine how much stress you have for the old route! Less stress = better performance
Regarding the number of questions, you will have 500 questions in the INBDE comparing to 900 with the old route (450 questions for each exam). Believe me, my brain was fried at the end of Part 1 day so I was exhausted just to think of Part 2 let alone taking it. After taking Part 2, I couldn’t study anything for months as there were no brain cells left (just kidding but that’s how I felt). 500 questions are way better than 900.
Regarding the content, INBDE requires you to have the same knowledge as with the old route. However, due to fewer questions, they will be very likely to ask questions about very important concepts (how our teeth occlude, the distribution of the Trigeminal nerve, etc) rather than small details (like Krebs cycle or how protein turns into fat). I feel like INBDE is more similar to Part 2 content than Part 1 content, so it is easier for me to understand and apply the information (I was dying every day studying Biochem and Physiology – they are no joke).
If you want to know more about how to study/prepare for these exams, check out these posts Study for Part 2/INBDE or Question and Answer on INBDE #1!
If you have any other questions about NBDE/INBDE, don’t hesitate to contact me by sending me a message right down below or contact me on Instagram/Facebook/Youtube. This topic will continue to be confusing until they officially discontinue the old version of NBDE and have only one option to choose (INBDE). There is no stupid question as I understand how confusing it can be with one option let alone two options like right now (When I took Part 1 in 2014, there was no old vs new format discussion). Good luck on your exam preparation and stay safe!
Love,