I PASSED INBDE ON MY FIRST ATTEMPT AND HERE’S HOW I DID IT …

First of all, I would like to thank God for His grace upon me!

If someone had told me a year ago that I would successfully pass the INBDE, I would’ve been filled with doubts. But with determination, focus, and His guidance, I’m here today, and I hope my journey can inspire others who are on the same path.

Passing the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) was a roller-coaster journey. Let me tell you, it’s not easy. Everyone says, “It’s doable, you can pass,” but they say that only after they’ve passed. The reality is, the INBDE is only doable if you give it 100% effort. You can’t afford to get any answers wrong—you have to aim for 100% accuracy. Only then can you expect to pass this exam.

For me, it took at least 3 months of full-time studying, right after completing my final exams in dental school as an internationally trained dentist. If you’re unable to dedicate this kind of time, it might take you longer, but the key is consistency. You need to study every day, and don’t take long breaks in between. Of course, short breaks to recharge are necessary, but remember—this journey is tough. It’s going to be stressful, but stay grounded and take it one day at a time.

My Study Sources and Strategy

Here’s a breakdown of the resources I used and how I structured my study:

• Mental Dental Videos
  I started with Mental Dental videos. I watched them 2-3 times, and after each session, I printed out extra notes from Dr. Ryan’s explanations. On my second pass, I focused on these extra notes, which really helped me retain the information. Don’t skip anything—you need to remember every detail, as this will make a big difference come exam day.

• Bootcamp App
  The Bootcamp app was another essential resource for me. The key was to read all the descriptions thoroughly, even when I answered the question correctly. By understanding why an answer is right or wrong, I reinforced my learning. I also marked the wrong questions and flagged the ones I wasn’t sure about. After completing each subject, I focused on revisiting flagged questions and worked on my weak areas. I also took mock exams to practice under timed conditions. Repetition is vital, so I kept reviewing questions over and over again.

• TSB Common Boards
  I worked through the TSB Common Boards as well. This helped me practice under time pressure, which is crucial since the actual exam is timed. Day 1 consists of four sections, with 100 questions in each, and 60 case-based questions in the final section. Day 2 includes 70 case-based questions in two sections. Practicing with TSB Common Boards helped me get used to the time limits, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this and focus on other resources.

• Dental Decks
  I used Dental Decks initially, but in hindsight, I didn’t find them as useful for the INBDE prep. It’s okay to glance through them, but I wouldn’t recommend spending too much time on them.

• INBDE Sample Questions
  The INBDE sample questions provided by the ADA were invaluable. These helped me get a feel for the types of questions I could expect on the exam. You can access them here:
  INBDE Practice Questions.

• Booster Study Notes
  Booster study notes were a game-changer for me, especially when it came to organizing and reviewing complex topics. The notes were concise, yet covered all the high-yield areas I needed to focus on. They provided a clear summary of essential information like syndromes, clinical features, and pharmacology, which helped me retain vital details for the exam. It’s important to make sure you actively engage with these notes, write them out, and review them periodically to strengthen your memory.

• Recent RQs
  I also worked on recent RQs (recently asked questions), but I didn’t rely on them entirely. They’re useful for practice, but you can’t depend on them. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and see a similar question, but that’s not always the case. So, do them for practice, but don’t base everything on them.

• Study Groups
  Joining a study group can be helpful, but I highly recommend sticking to WhatsApp groups rather than Telegram groups. Telegram groups can be overwhelming with too much information and sometimes incorrect answers. WhatsApp groups are generally more supportive and focused. Find a group for your exam month—it can be a great resource to stay motivated.

Here are the most important subjects I focused on during my preparation:

• Pharmacology

• Oral Pathology

• Patient Management

• Oral Medicine

• Ethics

• Head and Neck Anatomy

• Biostatistics

I also covered other subjects such as Oral Surgery, Dental Anatomy, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Radiology, Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Operative Dentistry, and Periodontics. These subjects will show up on the exam, so make sure you go over them repeatedly.

Final Thoughts and Advice

Here’s my top advice for anyone preparing for the INBDE:

1. Consistency is key—stick to a strict schedule and make sure to study every day.

2. Repetition is crucial—don’t just read it once, revisit material and questions regularly.

3. Focus on weak areas—identify your weak spots and dedicate extra time to improve them.

4. Practice under timed conditions to get used to the exam format.

5. Take breaks to avoid burnout—do things you love and relax your mind.

6. Stay positive—the process is tough, but stay confident and keep going.

The INBDE is a difficult exam, but with the right strategy, dedication, and hard work, you can pass. Trust the process, and stay focused on your goal. It’s a long road, but the feeling of achievement when you pass will make it all worthwhile.

Good luck to everyone preparing for the INBDE—you’ve got this!