American Board of Dental Examiners Donates $25,000 to Mission of Mercy Texas

Contribution demonstrates dental professionals' commitment to expanding access to quality care

• ADEX members and Summit attendees unite to fund essential dental services for underserved communities
• Donation directly advances ADEX's public protection mission through improved access to care
• Initiative builds on organization's two-year, $50,000 commitment to community health programs

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), a leading dental testing organization, has contributed $25,000 to Mission of Mercy Texas, a nonprofit providing free healthcare services to disadvantaged communities. This member-driven initiative expands access to essential dental care for uninsured individuals across South Texas who lack financial resources for treatment.

The $25,000 contribution combines individual donations from ADEX examiners and attendees of the Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit, which took place outside of Dallas, Texas, this year, with additional matching funds from ADEX. This collaborative effort will fund Mission of Mercy's dental clinic, equipment upgrades, and specialized care programs throughout South Texas communities where dental services remain inaccessible to many residents.

"ADEX's contribution arrives at a critical time when dental care remains out of reach for thousands of Texans. This funding will directly translate to pain relief, restored smiles, and improved health for patients who've gone years without seeing a dentist,” said Sherry Bowers, Executive Director of Mission of Mercy. “The dental professionals at ADEX are changing lives through their tangible support.”

Since 2007, Mission of Mercy has provided over 80,000 free patient visits, served more than 9,200 established patients, and dispensed over 52,000 free prescriptions. The organization's Dental Clinic provides preventive and restorative dental care to uninsured individuals who would otherwise lack access to dental care.

"Our members recognize that ensuring quality dental care reaches all communities is essential to public health and safety,” said Alex Vandiver, CEO of ADEX. “When we support organizations like Mission of Mercy, we're extending our commitment to public protection beyond licensure exams." 

The donation reflects the active participation of dental professionals who attended the Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit and Educators Conference, which brings together three major dental organizations annually: the American Association of Dental Administrators (AADA), ADEX, and the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB). Throughout the five-day event, attendees work to advance licensure standards nationwide.

At last year's Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, ADEX members and attendees raised $25,000 for Kosair for Kids, demonstrating the organization's ongoing commitment to community health initiatives nationwide.

 About the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) 

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting dental boards in their mission to protect the public through the licensure of qualified oral health professionals. Established in 1969, ADEX administers independent competency examinations developed and approved by representatives of state dental boards. ADEX examinations are accepted or required by law in 51 U.S. jurisdictions and serve as the initial licensure pathway for 98% of dental and 85% of dental hygiene candidates nationwide. Through ongoing collaboration with dental boards and educators, ADEX continues to advance innovative, evidence-based assessment methods that uphold the highest standards of fairness, clinical competence, and public protection. Learn more at adextesting.org.