American Board of Dental Examiners highlights achievements at event co-hosted with partner organizations to advance industry best practices
- New ADEX leadership elected following historic merger
- Record attendance at five-day Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit
- Panel showcases benefits of unified approach to licensure
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), the nation's leading organization for dental licensure testing, elected new leadership, unveiled new data and presented its highest honor at the annual Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit and Educators Conference. The five-day event, co-hosted with the American Association of Dental Administrators (AADA) and the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), brought together dental leaders from across the country to advance best practices in testing, regulation, and education.
The event featured elections for key ADEX leadership positions. Dr. Wesley Thomas (D.C.) was elected Treasurer, and Diane Klemann, RDH (MT) was elected Secretary, both beginning their first year of two-year terms. Dental Members At Large include Dr. Kevin Collins (NC) and Dr. Robert Lauf (ND), both serving their third one-year terms, along with first-time members Dr. Jonna Hongo (OR), Dr. Melodie Jones (AL), and Dr. Merlin Young (NC). Dental Hygiene Members At Large include Heather Hardy, RDH (AZ), serving her third one-year term, and Susan Johnston, RDH (OH), beginning her first term. Maureen Hankin, RDH (NY) was elected to the Nominating Committee. Additionally, the Council on Examinations Chair and Vice Chair, Dr. Conrad McVea (LA) and Renee McCoy-Collins (DC), were introduced to the General Assembly for the first time.
"The overwhelming success of this Summit reflects the dental community's commitment to excellence and collaboration," said Dr. Mark Armstrong, Chair of ADEX. "Following our recent merger, it was particularly gratifying to see such strong engagement. I extend my sincere congratulations to all newly elected leaders who will help guide our organization into this exciting new chapter."
The Summit marked ADEX's first major gathering since its merger a few months ago and provided a platform for meaningful dialogue among dental professionals, educators, and regulators. Attendees participated in specialized sessions, continuing education opportunities, and collaborative discussions aimed at enhancing public protection through consistent, high-quality dental licensure standards.
The Summit included the "Becoming the American Board of Dental Examiners" panel discussion, which brought together organizational leaders to reflect on ADEX's growth and impact. Alexander Vandiver, Chief Executive Officer, facilitated the conversation with Board of Directors members and representatives from the Council on Examinations.
"Our panel discussion provided valuable historical context while looking toward the future of dental licensure," said Vandiver. "The discussions highlighted how our unified approach strengthens relationships with state boards, candidates, and schools while reinforcing our commitment to fairness, reliability, and board oversight in the licensure process."
The Summit also featured comprehensive data reports highlighting ADEX's operational scope. Dr. Benjamin Wall, Director of Examinations, reported ADEX conducted examinations at 607 sites nationwide serving over 12,000 licensure candidates so far in 2025.
Dr. Arthur Jee (MD) received the Dr. Guy Shampaine/Dr. David Low Award for his contributions to dental licensure and examination standards. Committee chair Dr. David Perkins announced the award during the Summit.
ADEX serves 98% of dental licensure candidates and 85% of dental hygiene licensure candidates in the United States. The organization develops and administers national examinations for initial licensure in dentistry while preserving the essential role of state dental boards in establishing national licensure exam standards.
About the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX)
The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), formed by the merger of CDCA-WREB-CITA and ADEX, develops and administers national examinations for initial licensure in dentistry and dental hygiene. ADEX serves 98% of dental licensure candidates and 85% of dental hygiene licensure candidates in the U.S., with exams accepted or required by law in 51 U.S Jurisdictions as an initial pathway to licensure. ADEX continues to pioneer innovative examination methods through close collaboration with dental boards and educators, maintaining the highest standards of fairness, competence and public protection.. Learn more at adextesting.org.
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