The American Dental Association, the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, and the American Board of Dental Examiners have begun collaborative discussions on potential updates to clinical licensure competency examinations. According to a press release, the discussions are intended to review examination content, evaluation methods, and candidate experience in light of developments in clinical education, technology, and patient care.
The goal of the collaboration, the press release stated, is to identify areas where examination standards may be aligned to support how new dentists demonstrate readiness for practice. “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,” said Dr. Richard Rosato, president, ADA.
ADEX chair Dr. Mark Armstrong said, “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.”
According to the association, the organizations expect continued engagement in the coming months as they review best practices and consider potential innovations in licensure assessments across the United States.
