A Guide to the NEBDN Dental Nursing exams
The NEBDN examination is in two parts and you will need to pass Part 1 before you can take Part 2.
First exam: Online Written Exam (theory) is a 2 hour exam containing 100 questions. This will consists of 60 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and 40 Extended Matching Questions (EMQs).
Written exams are taken either in April or November.
This exam is held via the Maxexam software that will need to be downloaded.
Login / password details:
ALL candidates (including any re-sit candidates) must complete a mandatory NEBDN Exam Preparation Session prior to the exam. A candidate can complete the session ANY TIME that is convenient with them, as long as it is within the stipulated timeframe.
This session is proven to be vital to ensuring candidates are fully prepared for their examination from a hardware and expectation perspective. The purpose of the session is to;
1) Ensure successful download of the MaxExam
2) Test the device to check it is compatible with the software and has enough memory to support the application
3) Familiarise the candidate with the format of the software, in particular how to undertake their identification check, test their camera, and confirm how they submit their finalised examination.
4) Ensure the device has completed any updates which could affect the device on the day
The NEBDN will directly email candidate passwords for this preparation session - when the NEBDN has shared this information with us we will update our students. If you have not received it, please initially check your spam, if it is not there email the the NEBDN Assessment and Awards team directly assessmentandawards@nebdn.org for this to be sent again.
The session will consist of a tutorial and an opportunity to practice using the exam software. This may include dental questions but these will not count towards your exam percentage. This session is there to help you understand the software and how the exam will look and work on the day.
Aim to complete the Exam Preparation Session as early as possible within the above timeframes. Thereby, allowing the NEBDN time to resolve any technical issues you might incur while the session remains available. i.e. do not leave the Preparation Session to the last minute, on the last day. If candidates are unable to complete this mandatory session within the timeframe, the NEBDN has stipulated that they will be deferred to the next written exam and a re-sit fee will be enforced.
Monitoring Candidates During the Exam
The MaxExam software is sophisticated in monitoring your performance. The software produces cheat-analysis-reports for NEBDN. If your device is used to access the internet to search for answers, the software will lockdown your device. During the exam the software will also alert NEBDN of any suspicious, unusual or concerning behaviour. This could include looking away from the screen or appearing to look at other devices or materials for answers. The time given for questions would not allow you time to search for answers, anyway. Therefore, act professionally and with honesty.
This is an exam environment and should be treated as such. Even if you are sitting this exam at home, no one is allowed to enter or leave the room. Eat or smoke. It is advised to ensure animals also do not disturb the exam.
After the exam
DO NOT* Discuss questions or answers with anyone.* Try to discover how others faired* Make enquiries about questions for future exams
NEBDN scans social media for candidates who share information. Communication through social media could breach professional standards and principles of honesty and integrity, jeopardising your exam result and career. It has been known for students to be withdrawn from sitting their OSCE following investigations post written exam.
Results
Results will be emailed to candidates directly from the NEBDN.
If you are successful in passing the written examination you will automatically be entered to sit the next cohort of OSCEs.
FAQs
How do I download the NEBDN Maxexam app in order to take my exam?
Please click App download instructions for guidance on how to download the Maxexam app.
Hardware Guidelines before exam
Hardware Guidelines and recommended requirements for downloading and running the MaxExam Exam App.
Computer Health Check before exam
If you’re preparing to take an exam on MaxExam using a computer or laptop, run through the Computer Health Check. This simple guide will help to ensure that nothing gets in the way of your exam.
Second exam: OSCE exams (Objective structured clinical examination)- divided into 2 assessments:
OSCE exams are taken either in January or June.
First assessment – This is an online workbook which consists of seven stations accessed using the MaxExam app. The format this will take, for example, will be questions where candidates will be asked to select the correct instruments for a certain procedure, to put the steps of process in the correct order and interpreting dental charts. Candidates will be given a maximum of 1 hour to complete this workbook.
Second assessment – This is the Zoom aspect of the exam and will last approx. 40 minutes and consist of scenario-based stations. Candidates will be required to describe verbally the steps they would take to complete a procedure or give patient advice. There will be no actors present during the exam, however, an NEBDN Examiner will be present.
You can find an example here;
Once a student passes both parts of Dental Nurses exams, they are eligible to register with the General Dental Council (GDC). Please use this link to register.
FAQS
Will the Zoom calls be recorded?
Yes, the Zoom calls will be recorded for marking purposes. The recordings will be stored, retrieved and removed in line with our GDPR obligations.
Do we need to be dressed in clinical uniform?
NEBDN requires you to present yourself in ‘smart casual’ clothing for the OSCE, something you would wear to an interview. Please note, you should not wear your clinical uniform.
Do we need any materials available?
No, candidates will not be required to have any dental materials to hand as the exam will be assessed online and it is not possible to demonstrate the use of materials.
Do we need to be in a clinical set up or is it possible to do it at home?
Online assessment provides the flexibility for candidates to complete their exam in the workplace or at home. Candidates do not need to be a clinical environment as they will not be asked to demonstrate any procedures during the exam.
How will candidates display their knowledge?
Candidates will be required to demonstrate the application of their knowledge through describing or explaining the steps of a procedure or the advice they would give to a patient.
Do you have any information with regard the subjects that candidates should revise
It is not possible for Infills Academy or NEBDN to provide information regarding specific questions, however, candidates are expected to demonstrate a good understand of the topics covered in the curriculum.
What time will the exam be?
Timetables will be sent via email to Infills Academy who will email you individually
Do I need to download the exam app again before the online OSCE?
It is important that you use the same device for the online OSCE that was used during the online written exam. The app will still be on your computer/laptop for the Online OSCE. If you are an OSCE resit candidate you will be given the chance to download the app in your preparation session. You will only need to download the app once onto your device.
If I completed the practice session and downloaded the app, where can I find the app for my online OSCE?
The app is automatically downloaded onto your desktop. It will remain there from your practice session. You will need to double click on the app icon which will look similar to the image below.
Once you have double clicked on the app it will automatically open the log in page. Your log in details can be found on the emails sent by assessmentandawards@nebdn.org.
Do I need to make sure my laptop is plugged into a power source for the exam?
Yes, you will need to ensure your laptop is plugged into a power source so that it does not lose battery power during the exam.
Do I need to do the tutorial again?
You are not required to do the tutorial again. However, it will be available for you to revisit at any time up until 30 minutes before the exam start time.
My log in details are not working, what should I do?
Please carefully read the email with your log in details and try to re-type in the ID’s given. Please note that the exam ID, user ID and password are case sensitive. If the log in details do not work after several attempts please contact the team on assessmentandawards@nebdn.org.
During the exam
Will candidate’s IDs be checked?
Yes, IDs will be checked at the start of the Zoom call.
An acceptable form of valid photographic identification (ID) must be available to present if requested. Acceptable forms of photographic identification are listed below.
NEBDN only accepts the following forms of valid photographic identification:
– Passport
– Photographic driving licence (including provisional licence)
– Armed forces identity card
– Citizen card
– Workplace issued identity card
– SMART card
– Electoral identity card
– NUS (National Union of Students) photographic identity card
– University or College photographic identity cards
– Validate UK ID card PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
– ID card (i.e. Young Scot, OneID4U)
– Biometric Residence Permit or Residence Card
PLEASE NOTE: If the name on your candidate notice does not match the name on your photographic identification, you must be able to produce confirmation of your name (for example, a photocopy of your marriage certificate).
Will candidates see the questions before the Zoom stations?
Yes, candidates will have sufficient time allocated to read through the questions prior to answering them.
Can I have a pen and paper with me during the exam?
Yes, candidates are permitted to use a pen and paper during the examination to make notes.
What happens if I lose internet connection when in the Zoom call?
If you lose internet connection during your exam please do not panic!
Try and reconnect to your internet and log back into the Zoom call using the log in details provided. If you cannot successfully reconnect please call 01772 429917.
What happens if I lose internet connection when completing the workbook?
If you lose internet connection during your exam please do not panic!
Internet connection is required at the beginning and end of the examination. If your internet connection is lost during the exam please continue to answer the questions as normal as the data will still be recorded in the application. Usually after a few minutes your internet connection should reconnect without intervention. If you cannot submit your assessment at the end of your exam you will receive the following error message:
Click Retry once and if the connection is not successful click Exit. You will then need to reconnect your internet and log back into the exam app. Upon logging in to the app it will automatically submit your assessment.
Can I go back and complete the tutorial after I have started the exam?
Once you have started the exam you will be unable to go back and see the tutorial.
How will I know how much time I have left on the Zoom call?
As in a normal OSCE you will be signposted when it is time to move to the next question.
How will I know how much time I have left on the workbook?
In the bottom right hand corner of your screen, the time remaining in the exam will start to count down as soon as you click START.
How do I finish the exam and submit my answers?
Once you have finished the exam and are ready to submit your assessment you will need to click on the MENU button. This can be found at the bottom of the screen in the middle. Once you click this you will be given several options. To submit your exam, you will need to click the top button which is FINISH EXAM. When your time runs out the app will automatically submit the answers given up until that point.
