NATIONAL BOARD

DENTAL EXAMINATION
SPECIFICATIONS
2002
A publication of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1846, Chicago, Illinois 60611

National Board Dental Examinations are comprised exclusively of multiple-choice test items. National Board Dental
Examinations are administered in two batteries, called Part I and Part II.

The Basic Structure of Part I

Each Part I Examination consists of 100 test items. Part I Examinations will include test items that have clinical
applications. The four examinations on the basic biomedical sciences are titled:

1. Anatomic Sciences 3. Microbiology-Pathology

2. Biochemistry-Physiology 4. Dental Anatomy and Occlusion

The Basic Structure of Part II

The comprehensive Part II Examination consists of 500 test items. The discipline-based component (Component A)
includes 400 items and the case-based component (Component B) includes 100 items based on 8-10 case problems. Part
II examinations will include test items (approximately 30 percent) that have references pertinent to the basic sciences.

Discipline-Based Component (400 items)

The test items that comprise the discipline-based component are derived from the following disciplines:

1. Operative Dentistry 6. Endodontics

2. Pharmacology 7. Periodontics
3. Prosthodontics 8. Oral Pathology and Radiology
4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Pain Control 9. Behavioral Science
5. Orthodontics / Pediatric Dentistry 10. Dental Public Health and Occupational Safety

Case-Based Component (100 items)

The case-based component of the Part II Examination presents events dealing with actual patients. The patient cases are
developed to include the following approximate distribution: Adults--70 percent, Children--30 percent. A minimum of 15
percent of Component B test questions will address the medical management of compromised adults and children. A
compromised patient is defined as a person whose health status requires modification of standard treatment.

Each case presentation in the examination contains two sections: the first section appears in a Booklet of Cases and
consists of:

1. a synopsis of a patient's health and social histories,

2. the patient's dental charting,
3. radiographs, and
4. clinical photographs of the patient (when necessary);

the second section appears in a Test Booklet and contains from 10 to 15 questions about various aspects of this patient's
dental care. These questions, totaling 100 for all of the cases, might derive from any of the basic sciences and clinical
disciplines, including Behavioral Science. The proportion stemming from any particular discipline depends upon the nature
of the case itself. For example, the case of an elderly adult might be based upon Maxillofacial Surgery / Pain Control,
Prosthodontics, and Operative Dentistry; whereas, a child's case might derive from Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and
Behavioral Science.

In responding to these questions, the test taker must:

1. interpret the findings and information provided.

2. identify the problems and make diagnoses.
3. select materials, technique, and armamentarium.
4. apply treatment.
5. evaluate progress and complications.
6. establish procedures for prevention and maintenance.
 PART I

ANATOMIC SCIENCES (100) BIOCHEMISTRY-PHYSIOLOGY (100)

I. Gross Anatomy (50)* I. Physical-Chemical Principles (3)

A. Head (28) A. Basic principles (2)
1. Oral cavity (6) B. Applied principles (1)
2. Extraoral structures (12)
3. Osteology (6) II. Biological Compounds (9)
4. TMJ and muscles of A. Sugars and carbohydrates (1)
mastication (4) B. Amino acids and proteins (2)
B. Neck (5) C. Lipids (1)
C. Axilla, shoulders, and upper D. Nucleic acids and metabolism (1)
extremities (3) E. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross
D. Thoracic cavity (5) correlation (4)
E. Abdominopelvic cavity (2)
F. Central nervous system and III. Metabolism (13)
neuroanatomy (7) A. Bioenergetics (1)
B. Enzymology (1)
II. Histology (23) C. Catabolism (2)
A. Ultrastructure (4) D. Anabolism (2)
B. Basic tissues (4) E. Regulation (2)
C. Bone, cartilage, and joints (3) F. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross
D. Lymphatic and circulatory correlation (5)
systems (3)
E. Endocrine system (2) IV. Molecular Biology (8)
F. Respiratory system (1) A. DNA/RNA and protein synthesis (4)
G. Gastrointestinal system (3) B. Genetic engineering (2)
H. Genitourinary system (2) C. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross
I. Integument (1) correlation (2)

III. Oral Histology (16) V. Connective Tissues (8)

A. Tooth and supporting tissues (9) A. Soft tissue (2)
B. Soft oral tissues (5) B. Hard tissue/calcification (3)
C. Temporomandibular joint (2) C. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross
correlation (3)
IV. Developmental Biology (11)
A. Osteogenesis (2) VI. Membranes (4)
B. Tooth development, eruption, and A. Structure (1)
movement (4) B. Function (1)
C. Facial and branchial arch C. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross
development (3) correlation (2)
D. General embryology (2)
VII. Nervous System (9)
A. General properties (2)
* The following topics will be considered under B. Central nervous system (1)
each category of gross anatomy. C. Autonomic nervous system (1)
D. Somatic nervous system (with
Bone reflexes) (2)
Muscles E. Special senses (1)
Fascia F. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross
Nerves (peripheral and autonomic) correlation (2)
Arteries, veins, and lymphatics
Spaces and cavities VIII. Muscle (6)
Joints and ligaments A. Skeletal (2)
Endocrines and exocrines B. Smooth (1)
C. Cardiac (1)
D. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross
correlation (2)

-Continued-

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 BIOCHEMISTRY-PHYSIOLOGY
MICROBIOLOGY-PATHOLOGY (100)
IX. Circulation (9)
A. Fluid content and dynamics (2) I. General Microbiology (21)
B. Coagulation (1) A. Microbial biochemistry and physiology (2)
C. Cardiodynamics and B. Microbial cytology (2)
electrophysiology (2) C. Microbial variations and genetics (3)
D. Regulatory mechanisms (1) D. Sterilization and disinfection (4)
E. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross E. Biology of microorganisms (5)
correlation (3) 1. Bacteria (2)
2. Viruses (2)
X. Respiration (6) 3. Fungi (1)
A. Mechanical aspects (1) F. Antibiotics and chemotherapy (2)
B. Gas exchange and transport (1) G. Oral ecology and epidemiology (3)
C. Regulation (1)
D. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross II. Reactions of Tissue to Injury (10)
correlation (3) A. Inflammation and repair (8)
B. Physical and chemical injury and
XI. Renal (6) degenerations (2)
A. Functional anatomy (1)
B. Blood flow and filtration (1) III. Immunology and Immunopathology (at least 3
C. Reabsorption and secretion (1) on oral immunology) (13)
D. Regulation (1) A. Host defense mechanisms (5)
E. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross B. Hypersensitivity (4)
correlation (2) C. Immune system (4)

XII. Acid-Base Balance (1) IV. Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology

of Specific Infectious Diseases (at least 8
XIII. Digestion (5) on oral diseases) (22)
A. Neuromuscular (1) A. Bacterial (9)
B. Secretions (1) B. Viral (10)
C. Absorption (1) C. Fungal (2)
D. Regulation (1) D. Chlamydial and rickettsial (1)
E. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross
correlation (1) V. Systemic Pathology (22)
A. Cardiovascular (4)
XIV. Nutrition (5) B. Respiratory (3)
A. Nutrients/minerals (3) C. Gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary (3)
1. Requirements (1) D. Genitourinary (2)
2. Functions (2) E. Blood-lymphatic (3)
B. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross F. Endocrine (2)
correlation (2) G. Musculoskeletal (2)
H. Genetic diseases (2)
XV. Endocrines (8) I. Nervous system (1)
A. Pituitary/hypothalamus (1)
B. Reproduction (1) VI. Growth Disturbances (12)
C. Signalling systems (2) A. Non-neoplastic (1)
D. Pancreas/parathyroid (1) B. Neoplasms--etiology, epidemiology, and
E. Adrenal/thyroid (1) biology (5)
F. Intradisciplinary and clinical/cross C. Specific neoplasms (6)
correlation (2)

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 DENTAL ANATOMY AND
OCCLUSION (100)
I. Tooth Morphology (44)
A. Primary (8)
B. Permanent (36)
1. Incisors (7)
2. Canines (7)
3. Premolars (9)
4. Molars (13)

II. Pulp Cavity Morphology (5)

III. Calcification and Eruption (6)

IV. Principles of Occlusion and Function (37)

A. Functional Anatomy (23)
1. Interarch (static and
movement) (17)
a. Anterior teeth (5)
b. Posterior teeth (12)
2. Intra-arch (6)
B. Masticatory physiology and
Biomechanics (14)
1. Transmandibular joint (4)
2. Muscles and Ligaments (5)
3. Determinants of Occlusion (5)

V. Clinical Considerations—Tooth Morphology

and Anomalies (8)

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 PART II
(COMPONENT A)

OPERATIVE DENTISTRY (42)

I. Dental Caries (5) PHARMACOLOGY (42)

A. Etiology (2)
B. Pathogenesis (1) I. General Principles (6)
C. Prevention (2) A. Prescription writing, drug laws, and
drug abuse
II. Examination, Diagnosis, and Treatment B. Toxicity and drug interaction
Planning (7) C. Dose response
A. Examination and Diagnosis (2) D. Mechanism of action
1. Caries E. Biotransformation
2. Abrasion, cracked tooth, others F. Absorption, distribution, excretion
B. Treatment sequencing, placement,
and replacement (1) II. Central Nervous System (5)
C. Selection of restorative materials (2) A. Sedatives--hypnotics and alcohols
D. Restorative failure (1) B. Antianxiety and conscious sedation agents
E. Postoperative problems (1) C. Anticonvulsants--anti-Parkinson
D. Psychotropics (antipsychotic,
III. General Operative Procedures (6) antidepressant)
A. Instruments and equipment (2)
B. Control of the operating field (1) III. Autonomic (3)
C. Soft tissue management (1) A. Adrenergics
D. Esthetic considerations--bleaching, B. Cholinergics
color (2) C. Blocking agents (adrenergic,
cholinergic, and others)
IV. Preparation of Cavities (10)
A. Basic principles, instrumentation, and IV. Cardiovascular (5)
nomenclature (2) A. Cardiac glycosides
B. Preparations (8) B. Antiarrhythmics
1. Dental amalgam (3) C. Antihypertensives--diuretics
2. Cast gold (2) D. Anti-anginal agents
3. Tooth colored restorative E. Anticoagulants, coagulants, antihyperlipidemics
materials (3)
V. Local Anesthetics (6)
V. Restoration of Prepared Cavities (14) A. Basic pharmacology
A. Biomaterials science---principles, B. Vasoconstrictors
properties, composition, color science (3)
B. Manipulation and finishing of restorative VI. Chemotherapy (8)
materials (11) A. Antibacterials
1. Dental amalgam (3) B. Antifungals
2. Indirect restorations (2) C. Antivirals
3. Direct esthetic materials (2) D. Antineoplastics
4. Cements, bases and liners, and
interim restorations (2) VII. Endocrines/Immunosuppressants (1)
5. Occlusion (2)
VIII. Analgesics (7)
A. Opioids
B. Nonopioids and nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory agents

IX. Antihistamines and Autacoids (1)

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 PROSTHODONTICS (42) ORTHODONTICS / PEDIATRIC
DENTISTRY (63)

I. General Considerations (13) I. Individual Tooth Pathology (17)

A. Diagnosis and treatment planning (3) A. Basic background and epidemiology
B. Preprosthodontic treatment (2) 1. Tooth development
C. Maxillomandibular relations (2) 2. Etiology
D. Impressions and casts (2) 3. Prevention
E. Esthetics and phonetics (2) B. Database, diagnosis, and treatment
F. Restorative implantology (2) planning
1. Clinical findings
II. Complete and Removable Partial Denture 2. Radiographic
Prosthodontics (14) 3. Laboratory studies
A. Design of prosthesis and mouth C. Clinical procedures
preparation (5) 1. Restorative
B. Occlusion (3) 2. Surgery
C. Dental materials (3) 3. Local anesthesia
D. Insertion and postinsertion (3) 4. Sealants

III. Fixed Partial Prosthodontics (15) II. Supporting Tissue Pathology (7)
A. Design of prosthesis and mouth A. Basic background and epidemiology
preparation (4) 1. Etiology
B. Occlusion (3) 2. Incidence
C. Ceramic techniques (3) B. Database, diagnosis, and treatment
D. Dental materials (3) planning
E. Insertion and postinsertion (2) 1. Clinical findings
2. Radiographic
3. Laboratory
C. Clinical procedures
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY / 1. Medication
2. Hygiene
PAIN CONTROL (43)
III. Dentofacial Variations (26)
I. Surgery (26) A. Basic background and epidemiology
A. Dentoalveolar (9) 1. Growth patterns
B. Reconstructive (including preprosthetic 2. Occlusal development
implants, transplants, bone grafting) (5) 3. TMJ dysfunction
C. Trauma (3) 4. Etiology
D. Orthognathic (2) B. Database, diagnosis, and treatment
E. Facial pain—temporomandibular joint (2) planning
F. Lesions (2) 1. Casts
G. Infections (3) 2. Clinical findings
3. Cephalometric
II. Anxiety and Pain Control (14) 4. Facial appearance
A. General concepts (1) C. Clinical procedures
B. Local anesthesia (6) 1. Space management
1. Anatomy and technique (3) 2. Removable appliances
2. Clinical pharmacology (1) 3. Fixed appliances
3. Complications (2) 4. Tooth movement principles
C. Conscious sedation (7) 5. Surgery
1. Oral (1) 6. TMJ dysfunction
2. Inhalation (2)
3. Intravenous (2)
4. Complications (2)

III. Medical Assessment and Emergency -Continued-

Care (3)

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 ORTHODONTICS / PEDIATRIC ENDODONTICS (27)
DENTISTRY

IV. Behavior (6) I. Clinical Diagnosis, Case Selection, Treatment

A. Basic background and epidemiology Planning, and Patient Management (6)
1. Developmental psychology A. Pulpal
2. Cultural variation B. Periradicular
B. Database, diagnosis, and treatment C. Periodontal
planning D. Non-odontogenic
1. History and interview E. Therapeutics
C. Clinical management procedures F. Clinical examination
D. Pharmacologic anxiety management G. Testing procedures
H. Radiographic interpretation
V. Systemic Pathology (7) I. Medical emergencies
A. Basic background and epidemiology
1. Congenital II. Physiology, Pathology, Microbiology, and
2. Endocrine Immunology of the Pulp and the
3. Nutrition Periradicular Tissues (4)
B. Database, diagnosis, and treatment A. Pulpal
planning B. Pulpal/periodontal
1. History and review C. Periradicular
2. Handicapped D. Non-odontogenic
C. Clinical procedures
1. Treatment modifications III. Dental Morphology (1)
2. Special care A. Crown
3. Emergencies B. Root
C. Root canal system

IV. Basic Endodontic Treatment Procedures (6)

A. Non-surgical
B. Surgical
C. Emergency
D. Sterilization and asepsis
E. Radiographic techniques

V. Procedural Complications (3)

A. Ledging
B. Perforations
C. Separated instruments
D. Root fractures

VI. Traumatic Injuries (3)

A. Crown fractures
B. Root fractures
C. Displacements
D. Avulsions

VII. Adjunctive Endodontic Therapy (3)

A. Vital pulp therapy
B. Apexogenesis
C. Apexification
D. Bleaching
E. Restoration
F. Resorptions
G. Endodontic instruments and materials

VIII. Post-Treatment Evaluation (1)

A. Short-term
B. Long-term

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 PERIODONTICS (38) ORAL PATHOLOGY AND RADIOLOGY (55)
(ORAL DIAGNOSIS)

I. Diagnosis (6) I. Oral Pathology (45) [9 of these items require

radiologic interpretation]
II. Etiology (6) A. Soft tissue (21)
A. Periodontal microbiology (2) 1. Mucositides and dermatoses (3)
B. Contributing factors (4) 2. Infections (3)
1. Local factors (2) 3. Reactive lesions (3)
2. Systemic factors (2) 4. Benign neoplasms (3)
5. Keratotic and premalignant conditions
III. Pathogenesis (3) (3)
6. Malignant diseases (3)
IV. Treatment Planning (2) 7. Salivary gland diseases (2)
8. Developmental anomalies (1)
V. Prognosis (2)
B. Hard tissue (13)
VI. Therapy (16) 1. Odontogenic (5)
A. Rationale (2) (a) Odontogenic tumors and cysts (4)
B. Scaling and root planing (2) (b) Developmental anomalies (1)
C. Surgery (5) 2. Bone (8)
1. Gingival (1) (a) Fibro-osseous, inflammatory,
2. Mucogingival (1) and developmental diseases (4)
3. Osseous surgery (1) (b) Benign and malignant
4. Periodontal regeneration (1) neoplasms (4)
5. Implants (1) C. Noninflammatory cysts (2)
D. Pharmacologic therapy (2) D. Hereditary diseases (3)
E. Wound healing, repair, and E. Diseases of muscle, nerve, and joint (2)
regeneration (2) F. Chemical and physical injuries (2)
F. Splinting and occlusal correction (1) G. Diagnostic techniques and therapy (2)
G. Special therapeutic problems (2)
1. Acute problems (1) II. Oral Radiology (10) [9 more items requiring
2. Other (1) radiologic interpretation appear under I. Oral
Pathology]
VII. Prevention and Maintenance (3) A. Physical principles of x-radiation
(radiation physics) (3)
B. Radiobiological concepts (radiobiology) (2)
C. Radiographic technique (3)
D. Normal radiographic anatomy (2)

8
 DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH AND
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE (24) OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY (24)
(PATIENT MANAGEMENT) (PATIENT MANAGEMENT)

I. Epidemiology (4)
I. Communication and Interpersonal Skills (6) A. Epidemiology of oral diseases
A. Nonverbal communication (including 1. Caries
body language, eye contact, voice 2. Periodontal disease
quality, and environment cues) 3. Oral cancer
B. Verbal communication B. Epidemiological measures (including
1. Listening skills (including active incidence, prevalence, DMFS, and DMFT)
or reflective listening, and
attending skills) II. Prevention of Oral Diseases (4)
2. Responding skills (including A. Community and school-based methods
feedback, techniques, (water fluoridation, topical fluoride
appropriate use of language, application, sealants, health education,
and assertive communication) mouth guards, fluoride supplements)
C. Interviewing skills (including B. Office-based methods (sealants, topical
questioning and summarizing) fluoride, fluoride supplements)
D. Management of problem behavior C. Home-based methods (dentifrice, rinses,
E. General principles of dentist/patient flossing and brushing, diet, etc.)
Relationship
F. Case presentation or Treatment III. Evaluation of Dental Literature (3)
Planning A. Types of studies
1. Giving information 1. Descriptive (including case reports,
2. Minimizing resistance surveys, etc.)
3. Patient education 2. Analytical (including case-control,
cohort, etc.)
II. Anxiety and Pain Control (6) 3. Experimental (randomized clinical
A. Anxiety trial, biomedical research)
1. Etiology B. Components of a scientific article
2. Recognition C. Basic statistics
3. Management 1. Descriptive
B. Pain (acute and chronic) (a) Central tendency
1. Psycho-physiology (b) Dispersion
2. Management 2. Inferential (including hypothesis
C. Stress testing, validity, reliability,
specificity, sensitivity)
III. Health Behavior Change (6)
A. Factors influencing health behavior IV. Infection Control (4)
1. Motivational factors (including A. Diseases and routes of transmission (e.g.,
needs, attitudes, and beliefs) hepatitis, HIV infections, herpes)
2. Social and physical B. Barrier techniques
environmental factors C. Sterilization and disinfection
3. Cultural factors D. Disposal of contaminated waste
B. Behavior change techniques
1. Assessment V. Materials and Equipment Safety (3)
2. Behavioral strategies A. Mercury hygiene
3. Cognitive strategies B. Environmental contaminants (including
4. Information transfer gases and airborne particles)
C. Risk factors (including demographic, C. Operatory equipment (including noise
behavioral, and attitudinal) control, photo polymerization units, and
water retraction with syringes and
IV. Psychosocial Development Issues (3) handpieces)
A. Child and adolescent D. Chemicals
B. Adult
C. Elderly VI. Professional Responsibility/Liability (6)
A. Ethical principles
V. Disabled and Medically Compromised B. Informed consent
Patients (3) C. Risk prevention/management (record
keeping, patient care policy, employee safety
and education)

9
D. Dental care delivery systems
(economics/reimbursement,
government relations, and human
resources)

10
 A publication of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations
American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1846, Chicago, Illinois 60611