American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX)

Overview

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) is a nonprofit organization established to develop clinical licensure exams for dental professionals. Its mission is to create a uniform national dental and dental hygiene clinical licensure examination that can be administered throughout the United States.

History

ADEX was formed in response to the fragmentation of dental licensure exams across the U.S. Prior to its establishment in 2003, there were multiple regional and independent testing agencies administering their own licensure exams. ADEX aimed to consolidate these efforts and establish a standardized examination process. By 2004, most of the criteria, scoring, and content of the examination were finalized, and ADEX was formally incorporated in Kansas in 2005.

Objectives

ADEX seeks to ensure uniform standards in dentistry across different regions of the country. By developing a common examination framework, ADEX aims to provide dental professionals with the portability to practice their profession anywhere in the U.S. without having to take multiple, inconsistent licensure exams.

Structure and Function

ADEX is an organization of member boards, not a testing agency. It focuses on developing examinations, which are then administered by regional testing agencies such as the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB), the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Inc. (CITA), and the CDCA-WREB-CITA. ADEX also collaborates with state dental boards and educational institutions to ensure that its examinations reflect current dental practices and standards of care.

Examination Process

The ADEX dental and dental hygiene exams evaluate candidates' psychomotor skills and didactic performance, ensuring that they are ready for entry-level practice. The examinations undergo a rigorous development and review process, involving occupational analyses to keep the content relevant and up-to-date.

Impact

ADEX's efforts have streamlined the dental licensure process in the U.S., offering a more consistent and reliable assessment of dental professionals. However, not all states or testing agencies have adopted the ADEX examination, as some continue to use their own licensure exams. Despite this, ADEX has contributed significantly to the standardization of dental licensing standards across the country.

Membership

ADEX membership includes representatives from participating state dental boards, providing these boards with direct involvement in the examination development process. This collaborative approach ensures that the examinations reflect the needs and standards of the dental profession nationwide.

Conclusion

The American Board of Dental Examiners plays a crucial role in promoting uniform standards for dental licensing in the United States. By developing and maintaining a comprehensive and standardized examination process, ADEX supports the goal of ensuring public safety and competence in dental care.