{"id":465,"date":"2025-01-09T16:15:14","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T08:15:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/?p=465"},"modified":"2026-01-09T16:13:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T08:13:34","slug":"i-passed-inbde-on-my-first-attempt-and-heres-how-i-did-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/?p=465","title":{"rendered":"I PASSED INBDE ON MY FIRST ATTEMPT AND HERE&#8217;S HOW I DID IT &#8230;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"635\">First of all, I would like to thank God for His grace upon me!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"635\">If someone had told me a year ago that I would successfully pass the INBDE, I would\u2019ve been filled with doubts. But with determination, focus, and His guidance, I\u2019m here today, and I hope my journey can inspire others who are on the same path.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"51\" data-end=\"456\">Passing the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) was a roller-coaster journey. Let me tell you, it\u2019s not easy. Everyone says,<strong><em> &#8220;It&#8217;s doable, you can pass,&#8221;<\/em><\/strong> but they say that only after they\u2019ve passed. The reality is, the INBDE is only doable if you give it 100% effort. You can&#8217;t afford to get any answers wrong\u2014you have to aim for 100% accuracy. Only then can you expect to pass this exam.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"637\" data-end=\"1121\">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&#8217;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\u2019t take long breaks in between. Of course, short breaks to recharge are necessary, but remember\u2014this journey is tough. It\u2019s going to be stressful, but stay grounded and take it one day at a time.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1123\" data-end=\"1152\"><strong>My Study Sources and Strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1227\">Here\u2019s a breakdown of the resources I used and how I structured my study:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1598\">\n<p data-start=\"1226\" data-end=\"1598\"><strong data-start=\"1226\" data-end=\"1250\">Mental Dental Videos<\/strong><br data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1253\" \/>I started with Mental Dental videos. I watched them 2-3 times, and after each session, I printed out extra notes from Dr. Ryan\u2019s explanations. On my second pass, I focused on these extra notes, which really helped me retain the information. Don\u2019t skip anything\u2014you need to remember every detail, as this will make a big difference come exam day.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"2160\">\n<p data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"2160\"><strong data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1619\">Bootcamp App<\/strong><br data-start=\"1619\" data-end=\"1622\" \/>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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2162\" data-end=\"2647\">\n<p data-start=\"2165\" data-end=\"2647\"><strong data-start=\"2165\" data-end=\"2186\">TSB Common Boards<\/strong><br data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2189\" \/>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&#8217;re short on time, you can skip this and focus on other resources.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2649\" data-end=\"2859\">\n<p data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2859\"><strong data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2668\">Dental Decks<\/strong><br data-start=\"2668\" data-end=\"2671\" \/>I used Dental Decks initially, but in hindsight, I didn\u2019t find them as useful for the INBDE prep. It\u2019s okay to glance through them, but I wouldn\u2019t recommend spending too much time on them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"3270\">\n<p data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"3270\"><strong data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2890\">INBDE Sample Questions<\/strong><br data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"2893\" \/>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:<br data-start=\"3064\" data-end=\"3067\" \/><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/jcnde.ada.org\/-\/media\/project\/ada-organization\/ada\/jcnde\/files\/inbde_practice_questions.pdf?rev=32670d02b7164457bc2a7d2b24e001b3&amp;hash=D4B45226A47F23B8F571FAD5A924F386\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3067\" data-end=\"3269\">INBDE Practice Questions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3272\" data-end=\"3808\">\n<p data-start=\"3275\" data-end=\"3808\"><strong data-start=\"3275\" data-end=\"3298\">Booster Study Notes<\/strong><br data-start=\"3298\" data-end=\"3301\" \/>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 <strong data-start=\"3520\" data-end=\"3537\">clear summary<\/strong> of essential information like syndromes, clinical features, and pharmacology, which helped me retain vital details for the exam. It\u2019s important to make sure you actively engage with these notes, write them out, and review them periodically to strengthen your memory.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3810\" data-end=\"4128\">\n<p data-start=\"3813\" data-end=\"4128\"><strong data-start=\"3813\" data-end=\"3827\">Recent RQs<\/strong><br data-start=\"3827\" data-end=\"3830\" \/>I also worked on recent RQs (recently asked questions), but I didn\u2019t rely on them entirely. They\u2019re useful for practice, but you can\u2019t depend on them. Sometimes you\u2019ll get lucky and see a similar question, but that\u2019s not always the case. So, do them for practice, but don\u2019t base everything on them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4130\" data-end=\"4502\">\n<p data-start=\"4133\" data-end=\"4502\"><strong data-start=\"4133\" data-end=\"4149\">Study Groups<\/strong><br data-start=\"4149\" data-end=\"4152\" \/>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\u2014it can be a great resource to stay motivated.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3970\" data-end=\"4042\">Here are the most important subjects I focused on during my preparation:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4044\" data-end=\"4161\">\n<li data-start=\"4044\" data-end=\"4058\">\n<p data-start=\"4046\" data-end=\"4058\">Pharmacology<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4059\" data-end=\"4075\">\n<p data-start=\"4061\" data-end=\"4075\">Oral Pathology<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4076\" data-end=\"4096\">\n<p data-start=\"4078\" data-end=\"4096\">Patient Management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4097\" data-end=\"4112\">\n<p data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4112\">Oral Medicine<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4113\" data-end=\"4121\">\n<p data-start=\"4115\" data-end=\"4121\">Ethics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4122\" data-end=\"4145\">\n<p data-start=\"4124\" data-end=\"4145\">Head and Neck Anatomy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4146\" data-end=\"4161\">\n<p data-start=\"4148\" data-end=\"4161\">Biostatistics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4163\" data-end=\"4427\">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.<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-467\" src=\"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0024-2-201x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"201\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0024-2-201x300.jpeg 201w, https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0024-2-687x1024.jpeg 687w, https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0024-2-768x1145.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0024-2-1030x1536.jpeg 1030w, https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_0024-2.jpeg 1242w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 201px) 100vw, 201px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4429\" data-end=\"4454\"><strong>Final Thoughts and Advice<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4456\" data-end=\"4512\">Here\u2019s my top advice for anyone preparing for the INBDE:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"4514\" data-end=\"4990\">\n<li data-start=\"4514\" data-end=\"4596\">\n<p data-start=\"4517\" data-end=\"4596\">Consistency is key\u2014stick to a strict schedule and make sure to study every day.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4597\" data-end=\"4688\">\n<p data-start=\"4600\" data-end=\"4688\">Repetition is crucial\u2014don\u2019t just read it once, revisit material and questions regularly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4689\" data-end=\"4777\">\n<p data-start=\"4692\" data-end=\"4777\">Focus on weak areas\u2014identify your weak spots and dedicate extra time to improve them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4778\" data-end=\"4844\">\n<p data-start=\"4781\" data-end=\"4844\">Practice under timed conditions to get used to the exam format.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4845\" data-end=\"4916\">\n<p data-start=\"4848\" data-end=\"4916\">Take breaks to avoid burnout\u2014do things you love and relax your mind.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4917\" data-end=\"4990\">\n<p data-start=\"4920\" data-end=\"4990\">Stay positive\u2014the process is tough, but stay confident and keep going.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"4992\" data-end=\"5234\">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\u2019s a long road, but the feeling of achievement when you pass will make it all worthwhile.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5236\" data-end=\"5298\">Good luck to everyone preparing for the INBDE\u2014you\u2019ve got this!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019ve been filled with doubts. But with determination, focus, and His guidance, I\u2019m here today, and I hope my journey can inspire others who are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":477,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dental"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-9-2026-at-04_11_33-PM.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=465"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":479,"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465\/revisions\/479"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/477"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilewithdrmel.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}