NBDE vs. USMLE

[busupshot83]

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What is the difference between the NBDE and the USMLE? Are they similar?

 

[Jediwendell]

What is the difference between the NBDE and the USMLE? Are they similar?

They are very different. The USMLE is much more difficult for several reasons. There are really no old test questions to go from. The enormity of the material is also just obscene with the USMLE. USMLE is all computer now, too.

 

[Yah-E]

I have never taken the USMLE Step 1, but from what I hear from my medical friends and many OMFS residents, the NBDE Part 1 is nothing compared to the USMLE Step 1 exam, the USMLE Step 1 being the more challenging one. I guess we can compare them to our DAT to the MCAT, DAT is a joke when compared to the MCAT.

Now, I personally thought the NBDE Part 1 is the most difficult standardized exam I've encountered thus far in my academic journey. I've taken the ACT, SAT, DAT, and the NBDE Part 1. I anticipate the USMLE will be much more difficult in the sense of materials tested and the details involved.

Even if you passed NBDE Part 1 with 90s, often dental graduates can't even pass the USMLE Step 1 the first try. Keep in mind, only dental related people I know that attempt the USMLE Step 1 are OMFS residents in MD-integrated or MD-Option residencies.

Long story short, meds got it tougher, that's for sure.

MCAT is harder than DAT
USMLE is harder than NBDE

BY FAR!!!!

All the MD OMFS residents on here should be able to share with us their view and experiences with the two exams.

 

[toofache32]

...Even if you passed NBDE Part 1 with 90s, often dental graduates can't even pass the USMLE Step 1 the first try.

I don't think this happens all that often, but actual numbers would be hard to come by.

Also, you have to consider your background...the difficulty is relative to what you have been studying. I have taken both the USMLE and NBDE. The USMLE was more difficult for me, but I took it without really going to med school. Likewise, then dental section on NBDE would probably be pretty difficult for someone who hasn't gone to dental school (MDs).

 

[Midoc]

Completely unrelated to the current thread.

toofache - Since you're toofache32, shouldn't your location be the business end of a #151?

 

[ItsGavinC]

What is the difference between the NBDE and the USMLE? Are they similar?

Not at all similar, except they are mandatory to obtain our respective professional licenses (MD / DMD).