In brief: Push for dental hand skills test, ADA executive director resigns, the end of live-patient exams

New survey results overwhelmingly oppose removing hand skills test

A new poll conducted by the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) reveals 82% of Americans oppose removing a hand skills test currently required by most states for dental professionals. Ultimately, patients feel safer in the dental chair if they know their clinician is qualified enough to perform procedures with a minimal margin of error.¹

Currently, hand skills tests are designed to demonstrate a dental professional's surgical prowess as well as their clinical knowledge. According to the AADB survey (which consisted of 1,863 registered US voters), 83% of participants believe dentists should meet state-specific continuing education requirements, 69% believe current licensing standards should not be reduced, and 65% are against dentists licensed under weaker standards in other states practicing in their state.¹

Current ADA executive director steps down

Last week, the American Dental Association (ADA) announced its executive director, Raymond Cohlmia, DDS, has resigned from the position effective immediately. Elizabeth Shapiro, DDS, JD, has stepped up as interim ADA executive director while the Board searches for a more permanent successor.²

"I am very proud of my tenure as ADA Executive Director and my love for the dental profession is unwavering," Dr. Cohlmia said in a press release. "The ADA and the profession are synonymous and never should be separated. We have laid an incredible foundation to propel the ADA forward for the future."²

Over the last four years, Dr. Cohlmia has overseen and initiated substantial, positive changes in the company, including expanding the Forsyth Institute into the ADA Forsyth Institute and collaborating with those in dental academia. ADA president Brett Kessler expressed gratitude for Dr. Cohlmia's contributions to the ADA and looks forward to the future.

Live-patient exams dropped to zero in 2024

In a recent press release, the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) shared that CompeDont, a false tooth comprised of materials designed to mimic real teeth, has completely replaced patient involvement in dental examinations.

Introduced by ADEX in 2020, it was designed to address ethical and logistical concerns as well as improve the testing experience for dental candidates. As a result, patient involvement in licensure examinations dropped to zero in 2024.³

"The simulated teeth and arches used in ADEX exams have evolved dramatically under continuous scrutiny, and today, they truly mimic the clinical variability found in natural structures," said Dr. Kevin Collins, ADEX dental examination committee chair. "The models provide for reliable assessments while eliminating potential ethical dilemmas associated with patient involvement."³

Learn more about CompeDont's role in dental examinations here.

References

1. Public wants dentists to prove practical hand skills before getting licensed. American Association of Dental Boards. February 5, 2025. https://aadbcompact.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AADB-Polling-Results-Press-Release-FINAL.pdf

2. Raymond Cohlmia, D.D.S., steps down as executive director of American Dental Association. American Dental Association. February 8, 2025. https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/raymond-cohlmia-dds-steps-down-as-executive-director-of-american-dental-association

3. Pioneering progress: ADEX sparks nationwide change. February 4, 2025. https://adextesting.org/adex-sparks-nationwide-change/