The organizations responsible for developing and administering the most widely used dental licensure exams in the United States have finalized a merger, forming a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners.
According to the newly formed American Board of Dental Examiners, the merger between CDCA-WREB-CITA and the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) brings together two non-profit organizations that collectively support 98 percent of dental graduates and 85 percent of dental hygiene graduates in the United States.
The merger, announced earlier this summer, was formally approved by the governing bodies of both organizations this month. The combined organization will develop and administer national examinations for initial licensure in dentistry, aligning with long-standing practices in other health professions such as medicine and nursing.
According to the new board, this consolidation unifies exam development and delivery under one umbrella and creates new opportunities for increased representation on exam-related decisions. Every member dental board will now appoint one dentist and one dental hygienist, significantly expanding participation from state boards and from the dental hygiene community.
ADEX was originally formed in 2004 to create a nationally recognized examination deliverable by all testing agencies. CDCA-WREB-CITA was formed through the merger of three regional testing agencies in 2021 and 2022 to offer a single psychomotor performance exam. The organization became the exclusive provider of the ADEX exam, which is now administered at every dental school in the United States and is accepted or required for licensure in nearly every U.S. jurisdiction.
The two groups previously collaborated to introduce the CompeDont™ manikin-based examination during 2020 and 2021. According to the new board, this alternative exam method prioritized patient safety and examination reliability and has become a standard component of the licensure process.
“Through the unification of ADEX with CDCA-WREB-CITA, licensing jurisdictions can now confidently protect their citizens with a comprehensive, respected exam that is psychometrically sound and administered consistently across the United States and internationally. It has been my honor to help realize this achievement which marks a transformative milestone for dental professionals everywhere, ensuring excellence, mobility, and public trust,” said Dr. Conrad McVea, chair of the new ADEX Council on Examinations.
According to the board, the ADEX exam is currently recognized by law in nearly every U.S. state and territory, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. International exam sites are already active in Mexico, Canada, and Jamaica, with new locations being added in Saudi Arabia.
“The new American Board of Dental Examiners is uniquely positioned to bring the dental community the uniform competency standards it has sought for decades. With exceptionally strong relationships with dental boards and educational programs nationwide, we will continue to do the hard work that allows these dedicated professionals to protect the public while offering broad geographic licensure portability and additional access to care,” said Dr. Mark Armstrong, chair of the new organization.
The new board will continue to use the website and communication platforms associated with the previous ADEX organization, including www.adextesting.org and all related email systems. A new logo and updated branding will accompany the organizational name change.
The board’s Annual Meeting and Educators Conference will be held in October as part of the Dental Testing and Regulatory Summit in Grapevine, Texas.
According to the board, priorities for the newly formed organization include streamlining exam development and delivery, increasing collaboration with regulatory and educational bodies, and maintaining high standards in scoring, fairness, and public protection throughout the licensure process.
