“The Legislature finds that the [ADEX exam], in both its structure and function, consistently meets generally accepted testing standards and has been found, as it is currently organized and operating, to adequately and reliably measure an applicant’s ability to practice the profession of dentistry.”
Dr. Nissen made it a priority to begin the process of identifying a new exam during his tenure as FDA president. He appointed Dr. James W. Antoon of Rockledge, Fla., a member of the ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure, as chair of FDA’s Committee to Study Licensure.
“It was something that had been considered for many years due to the similarities between the Florida and ADEX exams,” said Dr. Antoon. “More recently, we felt some pressure from the state Department of Health regarding the budget. We wanted to prepare a plan that we would be comfortable with.”
As it progressed, FDA officials were surprised to find little opposition to their plan. Though that was in part due to a lack of other options, said Dr. Morgan. in December 2010 and the Board of Dentistry approved it that same month. In January, the FDA House of Delegates debated the issue and voted to change policy to support the ADEX examinations.
“There was a debate in the caucuses and in reference committees, but in the end the plan was supported by most, if not all, of the House of Delegates,” said Dr. Nissen.
“We were going to be proactive and offer an alternative to the Florida exam that was fair to licensure candidates, provided an accurate measure of minimal competence and ensured public safety, and I think we achieved that,” said Dr. Antoon.
“This was a great way for the Florida Board of Dentistry to collaborate with the Florida Dental Association,” said Dr. Morgan. “We moved a mountain when most people didn’t think we could.”
ADEX has 25 member states and its licensure exams are accepted by many other state boards. The ADEX exam is administered by the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners Inc., one of the nation’s five regional testing agencies, and is administered independently in Nevada.
In a statement issued June 2, ADEX officials said “ADEX membership gives a recognizing state dental board direct involvement in the development and evolution of the examinations through committee appointments and approval of the final form of the examinations in dentistry and dental hygiene through appointments to the House of Representatives. Consumer members of state dental boards are full active voting members of ADEX directly involved in the evolution and participation of the examinations.”
http://www.ada.org/news/5903.aspx
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