Essential Study Materials for Dental Licensing Exams: A Resource Guide for Global Candidates

Preparing for dental board exams—whether you're sitting for the INBDE, NBDE, NDEB, ORE, ADC, or any other major licensure exam—can feel overwhelming. The breadth of content, the high-stakes environment, and the pressure to succeed all make exam prep a challenging journey. But here's the good news: you're not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out from scratch.

This ultimate guide explores the most effective resources to help you master the material, manage your time, and build the confidence needed to pass your dental board exam. Whether you're a U.S. dental student, an internationally trained dentist, or a foreign graduate preparing for licensing in another country, these tools, techniques, and platforms will be your allies.

Why Choosing the Right Resources Matters

Not all study tools are created equal. Some overpromise and underdeliver. Others are tailored to outdated exam formats. The best resources:

• Match the current exam blueprint
• Offer high-yield content
• Provide interactive practice
• Include simulated exam experiences
• Help you track progress

Time is limited, and smart studying starts with using the right mix of books, videos, question banks, flashcards, and mobile apps.

1. INBDE: Integrated National Board Dental Examination (USA)

If you're preparing for the INBDE, here are the top resources:

✅ Dental Mastery INBDE

One of the most popular platforms, Dental Mastery offers a question bank with over 1,200 practice questions, performance analytics, and explanations tied directly to the INBDE blueprint.

✅ Bootcamp.com (Dental Bootcamp)

With detailed study schedules, video explanations, and high-quality practice questions, Dental Bootcamp is an all-in-one solution trusted by thousands.

✅ Crack the INBDE

Includes video tutorials, flashcards, mock exams, and detailed analytics. Their mobile app makes studying on the go easier.

✅ Mental Dental YouTube Series

This free video series created by a dentist covers nearly every subject tested on the INBDE. It's concise, high-yield, and great for audio-visual learners.

2. NDEB: National Dental Examining Board (Canada)

Canadian dental licensing involves multiple components, including the AFK (Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge) and ACS (Assessment of Clinical Skills).

✅ Prep Doctors

This program is a go-to for international dentists preparing for the Canadian dental equivalency process. They offer in-person and online courses, mock exams, and AFK prep.

✅ Scholars in Dentistry

Another well-known prep center for AFK and ACS. Their video content and mock exams align with NDEB standards.

✅ DentPrep Canada

Focused on AFK and ACJ preparation, DentPrep offers question banks and virtual coaching.

3. ORE: Overseas Registration Exam (UK)

International dentists applying to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) in the UK must pass the ORE Part 1 and Part 2.

✅ K2 Dental

This London-based academy provides structured courses, ORE mock exams, and clinical skills support for Part 2.

✅ Oxford Academy of Dental Education

Offers preparation courses for both ORE parts, including MCQ practice and simulated OSCE training.

✅ Dentinal Tubules

A UK-based online platform offering CPD courses and useful content for ORE candidates. Especially helpful for Part 2's clinical and communication stations.

4. NBDE Part I & II (USA)

While the INBDE has now replaced the NBDE, some legacy resources are still incredibly helpful.

✅ First Aid for the NBDE

This tried-and-true resource remains a favorite among dental students. It offers concise summaries, mnemonics, and must-know facts.

✅ Mosby’s Review for the NBDE

Detailed textbook-style reviews with practice questions. Excellent for content reinforcement.

✅ Kaplan Dental QBank

High-yield questions, detailed rationales, and self-paced modules make Kaplan a solid choice.

5. ADC: Australian Dental Council Exams

International dentists aiming to practice in Australia must pass written and clinical exams.

✅ ADA Dental Board Prep

Structured by experienced faculty, ADA's prep courses are designed specifically for ADC exam formats.

✅ Shine Dentistry

Their online courses, mock exams, and study materials are tailored for ADC applicants.

6. Online Communities and Forums

Sometimes, the best support comes from others walking the same path.

✅ Student Doctor Network (SDN)

SDN has a massive thread archive for NBDE, INBDE, and international licensing discussions.

✅ Reddit – r/dentistry and r/INBDE

Reddit threads provide real-time advice, study tips, and even shared study materials from those who have recently passed.

✅ Facebook Study Groups

Search for specific groups like “INBDE Prep 2025” or “NDEB Canada Candidates” to connect, collaborate, and stay motivated.

7. Flashcards and Mobile Apps

✅ Anki

Pre-made decks like "INBDE Flashcards" or "NBDE Master Anki" cover pathology, pharmacology, anatomy, and more.

✅ Quizlet

Offers thousands of flashcard sets created by past candidates. Look for high-starred public decks.

✅ Brainscape

Spaced repetition flashcard system optimized for long-term retention.

8. Simulated Practice Exams

Nothing builds confidence like practicing in test conditions.

• Use mock exams weekly during the last 4-6 weeks
• Replicate the exam time limit and structure
• Analyze your mistakes to identify weak areas
• Platforms like CrackINBDE, Bootcamp, and Prep Doctors provide realistic exam simulations

9. Creating Your Personal Study Schedule

Every dentist's journey is different, but here’s a basic framework:

Study Duration

Ideal Use

6 months out

Content review, light QBank

3 months out

Flashcards, full QBank

1 month out

Simulated exams, revision

Final week

Relaxation + light review

Pro Tip: Use a study planner app like Notion, Google Calendar, or Trello to stay organized.

10. Expert Advice from Successful Candidates

“I made sure to treat studying like a 9-to-5 job. It helped prevent burnout and gave me structure.”
— Dr. Amina T., NDEB-certified dentist

“I did one mock exam every weekend and reviewed every wrong answer. That changed everything.”
— Dr. Jason L., INBDE pass 2023

Conclusion: Your Success Starts With the Right Tools

You’ve chosen dentistry—a career that requires persistence, intelligence, and compassion. Board exams are a gateway to that future, not a barrier. By equipping yourself with the right resources, realistic practice, and a dedicated plan, you can turn this challenge into a stepping stone.

Success isn’t about memorizing everything. It’s about understanding the material, managing your stress, and walking into that exam room prepared for anything.