For internationally trained dentists and Canadian dental school graduates alike, the journey toward licensure involves passing a series of examinations administered by the National Dental Examining Board. One of the most common questions from candidates preparing for these exams is: “Are the NDEB examinations graded on a curve?”
This question arises from concerns about fairness, competition, and uncertainty surrounding the evaluation process. Many candidates wonder whether their performance will be judged in relation to other examinees or whether the grading system is based on absolute standards. In this comprehensive blog, we will explore the evaluation system used for NDEB exams, what it means for your preparation strategy, and how results are determined to ensure a fair and consistent outcome for all candidates.
Understanding the Purpose of the NDEB Examination System
The NDEB’s examinations—whether they be written assessments, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), or other components—are designed not merely as academic tests, but as professional assessments intended to determine whether a candidate is competent and ready to practise dentistry in Canada.
To maintain objectivity and high professional standards, the scoring system must meet criteria of fairness, reliability, and validity. This is why the board follows an absolute standard rather than a norm-referenced or curved grading system. Let’s dive deeper into what this means and how it works in practice.
What Is Curve Grading?
Grading on a curve (also known as norm-referenced grading) is a method where a candidate’s performance is assessed in comparison to that of their peers. Under this model, only a certain percentage of examinees can receive high scores, average scores, or failing grades.
In a curved system:
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Scores are adjusted so that results form a bell-shaped curve.
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Your result depends not just on your raw score but on how well others did.
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It may be possible to pass or fail based on where you fall relative to the average.
While this system is commonly used in universities and large classrooms, it is not considered ideal for high-stakes professional licensing exams, where the goal is to assess each individual’s competency rather than create a ranked list of performers.
The NDEB Uses Absolute Standard Scoring
In contrast to curve-based grading, the NDEB uses a criterion-referenced or absolute standard scoring system. This means that your performance is measured against a predetermined benchmark—not against other test-takers.
Here’s what that means for you:
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There is a predefined passing score established through formal standard-setting procedures.
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Every candidate has an equal opportunity to pass the exam, regardless of how others perform.
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Your score reflects your own knowledge and competency, not how well or poorly your peers do.
This system ensures fairness and consistency in determining whether candidates are truly ready to practise dentistry safely and effectively in Canada.
How Are Passing Scores Determined?
Passing scores on NDEB exams are established through a standard-setting process, which typically involves experienced professionals in dentistry, examiners, and psychometricians. These experts analyze the difficulty level of the exam items and determine the minimum level of knowledge or skill that a competent entry-level dentist should possess.
Common methods used in standard setting include:
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Angoff Method: Subject matter experts evaluate each question and estimate the probability that a minimally competent candidate would answer it correctly. These estimates are then averaged to determine the cut score.
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Bookmark Method: Used for exams with varying levels of item difficulty, where experts identify the point in the test that marks the minimum competence threshold.
The outcome is a fixed passing score, which is applied consistently to all examinees, regardless of the performance distribution across the candidate pool.
What This Means for You as a Candidate
Knowing that NDEB exams are not graded on a curve provides several important advantages and insights:
1. You’re Not Competing Against Other Candidates
Your success is not limited by how many others are taking the exam or how well they perform. If every examinee meets the standard, all can pass. Likewise, if many fail to meet the standard, all can fail. This promotes a system of individual accountability.
2. You Have Control Over Your Outcome
Since you’re not being measured against a percentile or ranking system, your entire focus should be on mastering the exam content. Diligent preparation, strong study habits, and practical readiness directly impact your success.
3. Preparation Should Focus on the Competency Framework
The NDEB outlines a clear competency framework for what is expected of candidates. Tailoring your studies to meet those criteria is far more effective than trying to predict how your performance stacks up against others.
4. Avoid Misinformation
It’s easy to be misled by forums, anecdotal experiences, or peer speculation that suggests you’re in competition with your cohort. The truth is far more encouraging: the system is designed to allow everyone to succeed—provided they meet the professional standards.
Exam Formats and How Scores Are Reported
The structure and reporting of results may vary slightly between exam components, but here is a general overview:
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Written Exams (e.g., Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge): Scores are reported as a scaled score, with a fixed passing mark. Raw scores are converted using statistical methods to ensure consistency across different versions of the test.
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OSCEs and Clinical Assessments: Candidates are evaluated using structured rubrics and detailed criteria. Again, a set standard defines what constitutes a passing performance.
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Result Notification: Candidates are informed of whether they have passed or failed, and often provided with scaled scores and performance feedback.
No matter the format, the core principle remains the same: your result reflects your own readiness to practise, not a comparison to others.
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