INBDE Writing Guide
Task types, scoring criteria, and strategies to excel in the writing section.
Writing Overview
The INBDE replaces the former Part I and Part II NBDE exams with a single integrated exam. It's an 11-hour, 500-question exam assessing clinical content aligned to 56 clinical situations. Pass/fail reporting only since 2020.
Note: INBDE does not have a dedicated writing section. This guide covers general test preparation.
High-Score Strategies
- 1.Use a structured Qbank like Board Vitals or Dental Decks.
- 2.Review high-yield topics: oral pathology, pharmacology, prosthodontics.
- 3.Practice clinical case questions — INBDE is more case-based than old NBDE.
- 4.Don't neglect biostats and behavioral sciences.
- 5.Take full-length timed practice tests to build endurance.