The ADA partners with dental examination leaders to fight for better licensure standards

The American Dental Association (ADA) is pushing for higher standards for clinical licensure competency to fight the uptick in unlicensed/unaccredited individuals practicing dentistry across the country.¹ The ADA has now joined forces with the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) and the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) to work towards improving the standard for dental competency exams.²

ADA's alliance with ADEX and JCNDE

For those who don't know, JCNDE leads and administers the National Board Dental Examinations and oversees the development of new integrated exams. ADEX evaluates candidates for entry-level practice though their performance on computer simulations and clinical exams using simulated patient manikins.

These organizations are equally committed to ensuring licensure standards "evolve alongside advancements in clinical education, technology, and patient care," as noted in a recent press release. They will be reviewing examination content, evaluation methods, and candidate experience.

From dental assistants performing procedures typically reserved for dentists to self-proclaimed "veneer techs" offering cosmetic services with no prior dental training, there is a concerning rise in individuals practicing dentistry without the appropriate credentials.² However, legislature like the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact that is gaining momentum throughout the country is designed to streamline the pathway to dental licensure without sacrificing high-quality dental education. ADA, JCNDE, and ADEX understand the value of patient safety and delivering high-quality care.

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."

This collaboration will persist over the coming months as these organizations continue to explore effective ways to enhance dental licensure competency nationwide.

In addition to this announcement, the ADA has also released information regarding their endorsement program, ADA Member Advantage. They will be launching their new ADA Rewards World Elite Mastercard for consumers and small businesses.

Update for those enrolled in ADA Membership Advantage

The company said in a recent press release that their new Mastercard is meant for businesses and dentists who are already consumer cardholders looking to receive additional perks from the program.³

Tony Frankos, chief portfolio officer for ADA Member Advantage, noted: "The new ADA Member Advantage credit card program is designed to enhance member value through improvements to the bonus points program as well as the extensive list of cardholder benefits our members have access to as Mastercard World Elite cardholders."

Features of this new card include:

• 1.5x bonus points per $1 spent on all purchases

• 5x bonus points on ADA, State Dental Society, and select ADA Member Advantage-endorsed product purchases

• 2x points on gas and groceries and 3x points on all travel purchases (airlines, hotels, rental cars, etc.)

• 2x points on all dental supplies.

• Advanced security features including Mastercard ID Theft Protection™, Zero Liability Protection, and Global Services for emergency assistance

For current ADA Member Advantage users, this new card will replace their existing US Bank Visa program.³

References

1. Unlicensed dental providers put patients and the profession at risk. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. November 8, 2025. https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/unlicensed-dental-providers-put-patients-and-the-profession-at-risk/

2. American Dental Association and American Board of Dental Examiners announce collaborative discussions to advance clinical licensure competency examinations. American Dental Association. November 18, 2025. Press release.

3. The American Dental Association (ADA) Member Advantage launches new ADA Rewards World Elite Mastercard for consumers and businesses. American Dental Association. November 20, 2025. Press release.