Prominent US dental exam administrator merges with the American Board of Dental Examiners

CDCA-WREB-CITA, the country's leading dental exam administrator, has officially merged with the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX). Together, these two nonprofit companies serve 98% of dental licensure candidates and 85% of dental hygiene licensure candidates in the United States.¹

Plans for this merger were announced earlier in the year and were met with overwhelming support from leaders in both organizations. According to a press release from 10 to 1 Public Relations, ADEX and CDCA-WREB-CITA merged via a shared commitment "to a comprehensive, modern, reliable clinical exam process while preserving the essential role of state dental boards in establishing the national licensure exam standards."¹

ADEX as a lynchpin in dental education

ADEX was formed in 2004 to develop the national ADEX licensure examination. In 2020, it partnered with CDCA-WREB-CITA to create the manikin-based CompeDont™ exam. Moving forward as a combined entity, ADEX will continue to develop and administer its exams for those seeking licensure, as it is currently mandated in every dental school in the US. It is also required by law in most of the country's surrounding territories and has plans to expand internationally.

Future plans and hurdles

ADEX remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding standards of "fairness, competence, and public protection" in its examination. It will continue to streamline the exam process for those seeking licensure and plans to strengthen both national and international relationships, as the ADEX exam is also offered in Canada, Mexico, Jamaica-and soon, Saudi Arabia.¹

The organization also plans to increase representation and participation in its test development; moving forward, each member dental board will appoint one dentist and hygienist.

On this merger, Dr. Conrad McVea, new chair of the ADEX council on examinations said: "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."¹

Reference

1. CDCA-WREB-CITA and ADEX finalize merger to form the American Board of Dental Examiners. 10 to 1 Public Relations. News release.