A Personal Note from Me, Dr. Sehar—Ethics Isn’t Just “Common Sense”

Hey, future dentist

If you’re prepping for the INBDE and ethics questions are throwing you off… you’re not alone.

I can’t tell you how many international students tell me during our free 30-minute orientation:
“I thought I’d just go with my gut on the ethics section.”

But let me tell you something I’ve learned after years of coaching students from all over the world:

Your gut doesn’t always align with the exam creator’s expectations.
And when it comes to ethics on the INBDE, it’s not about what feels right—it’s about what a licensed U.S. dentist is expected to do.Let’s unpack why this section is so tricky, and how we train for it at Dentabest—not by guessing, but by thinking like the test-maker.

What Makes Ethics Questions on the INBDE So Challenging?

It’s Not About Right or Wrong—It’s About Professional Judgment

The INBDE ethics section doesn’t test textbook facts. It tests how you think when faced with ambiguous, emotionally complex, or legally sensitive situations.

Questions often have multiple “good” answers—and only one that aligns with professional standards.

Cultural Differences in Professional Norms

If you trained outside the U.S., you might have different instincts around hierarchy, authority, or disclosure. That’s normal—but it can affect how you answer. I help you bridge that gap.

Ethics Questions Are Often Ambiguous on Purpose

They’re written to test your ability to interpret context, assess risks, and balance duties. That ambiguity is intentional. At Dentabest, I train you to handle that ambiguity with confidence.

Common Mistakes I See My Students Make

Over-Simplifying Complex Scenarios

Some students think, “This sounds wrong—so it must be wrong.” But the INBDE wants you to consider consent, documentation, and professional standards—not just feelings.

Applying Personal Morals Instead of ADA Guidelines

Your personal ethics might differ from the American Dental Association (ADA) Code of Ethics. That’s okay—but for the exam, ADA standards are what count.

Ignoring the Hierarchy of Responsibility in Team Settings

In scenarios involving assistants or hygienists, many students assume “It’s not my responsibility.” But in U.S. dentistry, you’re accountable for your entire team.

What the INBDE Is Really Testing in Ethics Questions

Awareness of Legal Boundaries

Do you know what you’re legally allowed to do? What must be referred? What must be documented?

Respect for Patient Autonomy and Informed Consent

Even if a patient refuses care, you still have to respect their choice—but document it carefully.

Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills

What if a patient is upset? Or a colleague crosses a line? The exam wants to see that you’ll respond with professionalism—not emotion.

My Proven Strategy to Master INBDE Ethics Questions

Here’s how I teach ethics to my students at Dentabest—especially international candidates who didn’t grow up with the ADA framework.

Step 1: Learn the ADA Code of Ethics Like a Language

I break the code down into digestible parts:

• Autonomy
• Beneficence
• Non-maleficence
• Justice
• Veracity

We go through each one with real-world examples, so you don’t just memorize—you understand.

Step 2: Use the “Golden Rule Filter” + Legal Priority

I teach a simple question to ask on every ethics scenario:
“What action shows the most respect for patient rights while following legal duty?”

This keeps you grounded when options feel too similar.

Step 3: Practice Cases Using “Exam-Creator Thinking”

We analyze what the exam writer was testing.
Was it about informed consent? Chain of command? Confidentiality?

Once you understand why the question exists, you stop guessing—and start scoring.

How We Practice Ethics at Dentabest—Together

One-on-One Case Discussions

I bring up real exam-style scenarios during live calls. We talk through them, break down your thinking, and align it with INBDE logic.

Role-Playing to Build Confidence

Sometimes, we simulate the scenario. I’ll act as the patient, the assistant, or even the angry colleague. You learn how to respond like a professional.

Custom Ethics Question Sets + Mock Reviews

I’ve built a bank of tricky ethics questions that mimic the INBDE. And after each mock, we review your answers—not just for correctness, but for reasoning.

Final Thoughts from Me: Empathy Is a Skill—Let’s Train It Together

Ethics isn’t about memorizing “what’s right.” It’s about seeing people—patients, coworkers, the public—and knowing how to make decisions that protect them and honor your profession.

That’s a skill we can build.
That’s what I help you do—with structure, support, and strategy.

If you’re worried about this section, let’s talk. You don’t have to figure it out on your own.With empathy and belief in your journey,
Dr. Sehar
Director & CEO, Dentabest INC.

FAQs About Ethics Prep for the INBDE at Dentabest