licensure by portfolio C D A J O U R N A L , V O L 4 8 , Nº 7
Licensure by Portfolio: Our Experience in Prospect and Retrospect Iris Nam, DDS; John Won, DDS, MS; Greg Olson, DDS, MSD; and Edwin L. Christiansen, DDS, PhD
a b s t r a c t Loma Linda University School of Dentistry’s pathway to California
licensure by portfolio began in 2016 with eight candidates. Designated faculty were calibrated to assess and guide candidates. Portfolios substantiating clinical accomplishments were required as were clinical experience and successful completion of the California Portfolio Examination. Participation demanded organizational skills, commitment and motivation. Four students transferred out and four students completed the program. Postportfolio surveys confirmed the greatest challenge was finding appropriate competency cases.
AUTHORS Iris Nam, DDS, is an assistant professor, division of general dentistry, at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.
Greg Olson, DDS, MSc, is professor and chair, pediatric dentistry, at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.
John Won, DDS, MS, is an assistant professor and head, division of general dentistry, at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He is a fellow of the American College of Prosthodontics. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.
Edwin L. Christiansen, DDS, PhD, retired from Loma Linda University in December 2019. He was a professor in the school of dentistry and an adjunct professor in the school of medicine. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.
T
he Commission on Dental Accreditation stipulates that qualification for dental licensure in the U.S. requires that a candidate successfully matriculate from an accredited dental school, pass parts I and II of the National Board Dental Examination and demonstrate clinical competency in a live-patient examination administered and overseen by a state or regional testing agency.1 In lieu of clinical licensure examination, certain states mandate or permit one postgraduate-year residency from an accredited institution. Postgraduate-year residencies are mandated in Delaware and New York but are optional in Minnesota, California, Colorado, Ohio and Washington.1 The Curriculum Integrated Format also leads to licensure and is available through examining agencies collaborating with participating dental schools.2
Pathways to California Licensure
California has four pathways open to qualified dentists: licensure by credential, by residency, Western Regional Examination Board (WREB) exam and licensure by portfolio (LP). Licensure by credential is available only to practicing dentists licensed in another state. A minimum of 5,000 hours of active clinical practice are required over a period of five consecutive years during the seven years immediately preceding application.3 Two years of maximum credit is allowed for a completed residency. Unfulfilled clinical years may be met by contracting to teach or practice in a setting specified by the California Business and Professions Code.3 Licensure candidates are required to prove nonfailure of the California licensure exam or the WREB clinical exam within the five-year period immediately preceding application.3 JULY 2 0 2 0 339
