Dental licensure reform has been a priority for ASDA for many years. Due in part to ASDA’s advocacy efforts, we saw rapid change in the licensure process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students successfully proved to state boards and testing agencies that a live human subject is not necessary to demonstrate competency.

Where are we now in 2023?

Prior to 2020, only 10 states accepted non-patient based alternative exams. As of April 2023, nearly all states have moved to permanently accept many of the alternatives that they started accepting during the pandemic.

• At least 48 states (including DC) now permanently accept a manikin exam as an alternative to the live-patient exam.
  
• 6 states accept the DLOSCE, the Dental Licensure Objective Structured Clinical Examination

Licensure resources

For the most up-to-date information about your state’s licensure requirements, we encourage you to check your state’s dental board website. Here are some additional resources:

• ADA Dental Licensure Requirements Map
• ADEX Dental Acceptance Maps