licensure
Skeptic Turned Supporter: Why I Now Accept the Non-patient Licensure Exam
By David F. Boden, DDS, M.S., FDA President
The debate between patient-based and non-patient-based dental licensure exams has been one of the most controversial topics in dentistry. Many of you know that I do not avoid controversy when principles are involved, and I was right in the middle of this one. Nevertheless, as professionals we should be open to changing our minds when facts lead our way. Let me guide you down my path toward change with a little history.
What is the Purpose of a Licensure Exam? The sole purpose of licensure by the state is to ensure grantees are as safe as possible to treat Floridians by: p being at least minimally competent. p having met certain didactic and clinical standards tested by standardized examination. p having no criminal record.
Does the Florida Clinical Examination Require a Patient? For now, yes. The only examination accepted by Florida statute is the American Dental Licensing Examination (ADEX) as administered by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA). The same statute requires certain clinical
procedures prescribing certain restorations and periodontal procedures be “on a live patient.” As a state law and not a rule, this is not amendable by the Florida Board of Dentistry (BOD).
Is this Going to Change? Short answer, likely … probably this year. Again, this is not under control of the Florida Dental Association (FDA) or even the BOD, but each can make recommendations. Bills have been introduced into the Florida Legislature to change the statute to an examination developed by ADEX that does not require a “live patient.” So, why the change?
History Dental licensure examination has been required since the enactment of the first Florida dental law by the state dental legislature in 1887 at the behest of the Florida State Dental Society. There has been a long history of legislation affecting the Dental Practice Act, but in general, the requirement of examination by the Board of Dental Examiners has continued.
In 2011, Things Changed The Florida examination, administered by the Northeast Regional Board (NERB) became nearly identical to the examination given by ADEX in other states. There was a potential lawsuit by a dentist in Illinois who had taken the ADEX exam in Illinois claiming unnecessary restraint of trade by Florida. After much negotiation with the FDA, the BOD and the Florida Legislature, the statute was changed to today’s iteration. Florida joined the 46 states using ADEX, gained a seat on the ADEX
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