INBDE cost calculator

What actually goes into the number

The INBDE registration fee is only the headline. For most internationally trained dentists the exam sitting itself is the registration fee plus a separate processing fee for applying on a non-CODA degree — roughly $890 and $435 respectively per attempt. On top of that sit the costs that get you to and past the exam: an English test, a credential evaluation, the centralized application to advanced-standing dental programs, program-specific fees, and, for many, a hands-on bench-test course and interview travel. The 2026–27 ADEA CAAPID fee is $264 for the first program and $115 for each additional program.

None of these are Dentovio fees, and we do not sell any of them. The calculator uses published mid-range figures as a starting point so you can replace them with the exact numbers your providers quote. Fees change and vary by country, so treat the total as a pre-admission planning estimate, not a bill. It does not include advanced-standing DDS/DMD tuition, living expenses, or later state-licensure costs.

Ways to keep the total down

• • Pass the INBDE on the first attempt — each retake repeats both the registration and processing fee.
• • Prepare for TOEFL properly so you only pay for one sitting.
• • Shortlist CAAPID programs deliberately; each additional school adds an application fee.
• • Compare bench-test courses — spend ranges from nothing to several thousand dollars.
• • Batch interviews by region to cut travel where school calendars allow.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the INBDE cost?

The INBDE registration fee published by the JCNDE is about $890 per attempt. Candidates who did not graduate from a CODA-accredited dental school pay an additional processing fee of about $435 per attempt, so a single sitting is roughly $1,325 before study materials. Confirm the current figures on the official JCNDE INBDE page before you budget.

What is the total cost of the INBDE-to-licensure journey for a foreign-trained dentist?

It varies widely. Beyond the INBDE itself, common costs include TOEFL (varies by country), a course-by-course credential evaluation, ADEA CAAPID fees ($264 for the first program and $115 for each additional program in the 2026–27 cycle), program-specific fees, a bench-test or preparatory course, interview travel, and study materials. Enter your own numbers above to itemize a realistic pre-admission estimate.

Does everyone pay the non-CODA processing fee?

The additional processing fee applies to candidates who apply on the basis of a dental degree from a school that is not accredited by the U.S. Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Most internationally trained dentists fall into this category. Graduates of CODA-accredited programs pay the standard registration fee only.

Are these fees the same everywhere?

No. Testing and application fees change over time, and third-party costs such as TOEFL and credential evaluation vary by country and provider. This tool uses published mid-range figures as a starting point; always confirm the live fee with each provider before relying on the total.

Sources used