Change in NBDE Part 1: To all future/current dental students

[Munchy]

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As many of you probably have heard already, NBDE Part 1 is changing to Pass or Fail system, meaning that your raw and composite scores will no longer be reported. From what I know the ADA's view of exam system change is pretty adamant so we should be prepared for it.

My question is then, how the will people who want to specialize separate themselves from the rest? There have been talks about creating another exam for specialization step but nothing has been set.

If class ranking comes into play, then I don't want to go to some crazy higher tier schools where competition is fierce.

Anyone heard anything or have updates that you can share?

 

[CANgnome]

I heard from someone that they might use the GRE but who knows!

I think it is a bit silly to make the exam pass/fail but there must be a good reason for ADEA to do it.

 

[321931]

I heard from someone that they might use the GRE but who knows!

I think it is a bit silly to make the exam pass/fail but there must be a good reason for ADEA to do it.

California is also going with an alternate route regarding part 2 of the boards. Something based on competency based examinations.

Anyways, I can see specialties looking at A) New examinations, B) Class Ranking, or C) Existing exams such as the GRE.

That being said, I think class rankings will play a large factor, and yes, I could see it being harder to stand out at a "high gpa/DAT" school compared to another.

 

[dentalWorks]

As many of you probably have heard already, NBDE Part 1 is changing to Pass or Fail system, meaning that your raw and composite scores will no longer be reported. From what I know the ADA's view of exam system change is pretty adamant so we should be prepared for it.

My question is then, how the will people who want to specialize separate themselves from the rest? There have been talks about creating another exam for specialization step but nothing has been set.

If class ranking comes into play, then I don't want to go to some crazy higher tier schools where competition is fierce.

Anyone heard anything or have updates that you can share?

well even today, alot of ortho programs have been using GRE... I imagine they will continue this.

for OMFS, they are going to introduce a new exam (NBME), I think this is a very similar to USMLE step 1.

The other specialties.... who knows. I personally hate the idea of having GRE be a determining factor. Its a test thats sooooooo outside of healthcare... I mean come on, its english and math.

 

[JBieber]

I have about half a year till d school starts. Since I'm so bored, can I write the GRE now for residency applications?

 

[Munchy]

If class ranking is going to be a big factor, I am gonna attend another low tier school interview just in case lol.

 

[flapaTron]

dude these threads are a dime a dozen.

first of all, it's the ADEA who's mandating a P/F exam. If you want to understand why the test is becoming pass fail, please read " NBDE Part 1: A Meaningful Score or A Score Without Meaning?" from the ADEA's website.

second, nothing is fundamentally going to change as there will be a new/alternative test used to rank applicants. all of the other important factors (class rank/gpa/externship experience/research) will remain as such. it remains unclear as to which exam each/every specialty will use, but don't worry - there will be a standardized, calibrated exam to take the NBDE's place.

third, taking the GRE now will only benefit you if you plan on applying to specific ortho programs as they are the only ones that use that exam (only ortho programs use it, and it's not even that many of them). though it's fine to go into dental school with specific interests, i encourage you all to be open minded about every aspect of dentistry - enjoy the ride before you make concrete career goals.

 

[Odontos2015]

I think it is a bit silly to make the exam pass/fail but there must be a good reason for ADEA to do it.

A significant statistical difference was observed in the abilities of those who passed and failed the boards. However, above 75, the passing score, board scores failed to correlate with knowledge and problem solving abilities of test-takers (Cunningham). Scores of 89 and 90 do not imply a difference in ability of the test-takers, the latter being the cutoff for many OMFS programs (Hawley). That's why the exam is being changed to pass/fail.

My sources:
www.asdanet.org/.../Events/NBDE Presentation-Cunningham.ppt
www.adea.org/about_adea/governance/.../NBDE Part 1.ppt

EDIT...links that work:
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q...vIRV8a&sig=AHIEtbTMRv3x5vYk3WAWV_cb6okN-WVW4Q

and

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q...u_XPZ8&sig=AHIEtbQzxoBpsOrmD7EvDlv8gO824Hm1bw

 

[flapaTron]

A significant statistical difference was observed in the abilities of those who passed and failed the boards. However, above 75, the passing score, board scores failed to correlate with knowledge and problem solving abilities of test-takers (Cunningham). Scores of 89 and 90 do not imply a difference in ability of the test-takers, the latter being the cutoff for many OMFS programs (Hawley). That's why the exam is being changed to pass/fail.

My sources:
www.asdanet.org/.../Events/NBDE Presentation-Cunningham.ppt
www.adea.org/about_adea/governance/.../NBDE Part 1.ppt

right on man. you hit the nail on the head.