By Dimitri A. Davis
During its August 25, 2022, meeting [Agenda Item 9(c)], the Dental Board of California (DBC) heard a presentation from a representative of Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Inc. (CRDTS). CRDTS asked DBC to consider the CRDTS Dental Examination as a pathway to dental licensure in the state of California.
Currently, a California dental license may be obtained by successfully completing one of the following:
- Application for licensure after successful completion of the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) examination;
- Application for licensure after successful completion of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) examination;
- Application for licensure by Credential – for dentists with a current and valid dental license in another state;
- Application for licensure by Residency; or
- Application for licensure by Portfolio.
CRDTS explained to the Board that CRDTS is a nationally recognized licensure examination agency and has been developing and administering fair and reliable examinations for candidates wishing to practice in the dental field for more than 50 years. CRDTS presented that its national examinations are recognized and accepted in over 40 states nationwide including California’s bordering states of Oregon and Arizona. CRDTS noted that the ADEX and CRDTS examinations are very similar in content and scoring, were developed by the same group of professionals, and cover the components required by state dental boards across the nation. CRDTS detailed the structure of the examination. Citing a letter sent by CRDTS to DBC before the meeting, CRDTS warns DBC that with the merger of three testing agencies (CDCA, WREB and CITA), there is a dangerous trend toward a monopoly in the dental testing industry.
DBC motioned to postpone consideration of possible action regarding the CRDTS Dental Examination as a pathway to licensure in California. Board members expressed concern that current testing for licensure is going well, and this new pathway is not a priority for DBC’s resources. Further, members expressed that DBC can use more time to do research and consider this new pathway if they deem it necessary. DBC voted to consider this at a future date.