Reciprocity, credentials, or the same old politics?

Abstract

In Wyoming--and in view of the ADA's policy, probably throughout the United States--dentists and dental hygienists are dissatisfied with current licensing procedures. That is not to imply that state licensing boards should be eliminated. They should continue to oversee licensure and perform their other important functions. Accreditation involves strict requirements for dental schools. In turn, the schools require their students to pass the National or Regional Board Examinations, or both. That seems sufficient to ensure professional competence of new graduates. The dental schools should be permitted to act as the principal screening mechanism; successful completion of their requirements should be sufficient for licensure, after the other requirements are met. We urge the Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners and other state boards to adopt new standards for licensure, with successful completion of National Board examinations and any of the Regional Board examinations as the standard.