ADA begins discussions with other groups to advance dental licensure exams

Organizations explore best practices, potential innovations to enhance exam standards

The American Dental Association, Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations and American Board of Dental Examiners have begun a series of collaborative discussions focused on enhancing the standards and delivery of clinical licensure competency examinations for dental professionals.

The discussions reflect a shared commitment by these organizations to ensure dental licensure assessments continue to evolve alongside advancements in clinical education, technology and patient care, according to a joint statement from the ADA and American Board of Dental Examiners.

“By working together, we are advancing our mutual goal of ensuring every licensed dentist enters the profession with proven competence and the highest standards of patient safety,” ADA President Richard J. Rosato, D.M.D., said.

Through this collaboration, the ADA and American Board of Dental Examiners aim to identify opportunities for alignment in exam content, evaluation methods and candidate experience — ultimately strengthening the process by which new dentists demonstrate their readiness for practice, the groups said in the statement.

“Our dialogue with the ADA highlights our commitment to a modern, equitable licensure standard — grounded in rigorous clinical hand skills assessment and reflective of today’s dental practice,” said Mark Armstrong, D.D.S., chair of the American Board of Dental Examiners.

Both organizations anticipate continued engagement over the coming months as they explore best practices and potential innovations to further the dental licensure exam standards nationwide, according to the statement.