Required Standardized Exams
Integrated National Board Dental Examinations (INBDE) - *Graduation Requirement for DMD Program*
DMD degree candidates must pass the INBDE in order to graduate. Please refer to the ADA website for the policies, timelines and fees for the Boards. The INBDE is a computer-based exams and requires submissions of an on-line application and an appointment at a testing center to take the actual exam. Student eligibility and application approval is granted by the Office of Dental Education.
Further details and HSDM-specific eligibility and application approval information is available below: INBDE
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Other Comprehensive Exams
HSDM does not require students to take the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments Exam or any other licensure examination in order to graduate. However, all students must take and pass School-administered Comprehensive Examinations, regardless of whether or not they intend to take the actual CDCA exam. Students may not take other regional board exams (e.g. the Western Regional Board Exam) prior to passing the HSDM Comprehensive Exams. Approval to take other (non-CDCA) regional board exams will be given only after all sections of the Comprehensive Exams have been passed.
The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) - *Not a Graduation Requirement for DMD Program* (formerly the North East Regional Board Exam)
Although not required for graduation, HSDM does permit the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) to be administered at the School. The Curriculum Integrated Format (CIF) CDCA is offered, with manikin sections of the exam administered in the fall of Year 4, and the patient- based portions of the exam offered in the spring. Students must apply to take the CDCA in the summer prior to Year 4. Comprehensive Exams (see above) are administered approximately 6 weeks prior to the fall and spring CDCA test dates. In the event that a student must retake a portion of the Comprehensive Exam, the deadline for retaking and passing the makeup exam is 14 days prior to the actual CDCA test date. The School will withdraw from the CDCA any student who fails to pass all sections of the Comprehensive Exam by this deadline. Students withdrawn from the CDCA for academic reasons forfeit the examination fees paid to the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments.
Further details and HSDM-specific eligibility and application approval information: CDCA
Western Regional Board Exam (WREB) – *Not a Graduation Requirement for DMD Program*
The WREB examinations were developed to provide reliable clinical assessments for state licensing agencies to use in making valid licensing decisions. Even though the WREB is not a graduation requirement, student eligibility to take the exam still must be approved by ODE. Students who choose to apply for the WREB must ensure that all application requirements and deadlines are met.
Further details and HSDM-specific eligibility and patient follow-up care agreement form information: WREB
Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) - *Not a Graduation Requirement for DMD Program*
The ADAT is an advanced dental education admission test designed to provide dental education programs with a means to assess program applicants’ potential for success. Even though the ADAT is not a graduation requirement, student eligibility to take the exam still must be approved by ODE. Students who choose to apply for the ADAT must ensure that all application requirements and deadlines are met.
Further details and HSDM-specific eligibility and application approval information: ADAT