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CDCA Exam & CDCA Certification Info


The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA-WREB-CITA) is an organization that provides licensure testing for dental health professions. This commission serves jurisdictions in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, aiming to ensure public health, safety, and welfare by verifying that qualified dental practitioners provide safe and competent dental care. CDCA-WREB-CITA was formed from the merger of the three largest regional exam administration agencies, creating a unified agency with a singular mission: to offer one national examination for dental and dental hygiene professions. This merger has simplified the licensure process for students, schools, and state boards?

CDCA-WREB-CITA Eligibility and Application

Eligibility for the CDCA-WREB-CITA exams varies depending on the specific examination. Generally, graduates of Canadian dental schools and dental hygiene programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada have the same eligibility for licensure and regional licensure examinations as United States graduates. However, graduates from other international dental and dental hygiene programs are not typically eligible to take the regional dental and dental hygiene licensure examinations. These candidates must contact the state where they wish to practice and obtain authorization from that state to take the licensure examination. It's important to note that each state has its own requirements, and international candidates must apply separately to each state for licensure??.

CDCA-WREB-CITA Scheduling the Exam

Candidates can schedule their exams by creating or accessing their candidate account on the CDCA-WREB-CITA website. This account provides access to exam manuals, results, and the ability to schedule exams. The website also offers a range of resources for candidates, including FAQs and test preparation materials??.

CDCA-WREB-CITA Taking the Exam

The CDCA-WREB-CITA administers a variety of exams for different dental professions, including Dental (ADEX), Dental Hygiene (ADEX), Dental Therapy, and several specialized exams like Dental – Sedation, Dental Hygiene – Nitrous Oxide, and Dental Hygiene – Local Anesthesia. The exams evaluate candidates' psychomotor skills and didactic performance for entry-level practice. ADEX (American Board of Dental Examiners) Examinations, which are part of CDCA-WREB-CITA's offerings, are designed with a strict development and review process. This process ensures that current practice and standards of care are represented in each examination. The exams are developed by a team of subject matter experts and psychometricians who set discriminate values for candidate performance, determining the final score as pass or fail. These exams are piloted and evaluated to ensure they are psychometrically sound and valid expressions of readiness for the oral professions before being approved for use by ADEX??.

For more detailed information about the exams, eligibility, application procedures, and scheduling, please visit the CDCA-WREB-CITA website at adextesting.org.



Objective Structured Clinical Examination



OSCE Exams

CDCA Dental Hygiene (ADEX)

The CDCA Dental Hygiene (ADEX) certification test is a widely recognized examination that assesses a candidate's competence in dental hygiene. Administered by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), the test examines knowledge and practical skills in areas like radiology, periodontology, and patient care. Successful completion signifies the candidate is qualified to practice as a dental hygienist. The test includes both a written and a clinical component, with emphasis on patient assessment, dental hygiene diagnosis, and treatment planning. It's a critical step for aspiring dental hygienists to gain licensure.

110 - Multiple Choice
Medical/Dental Assessment - 12%
Intra and Extra Oral Assessment and Charting - 27%
Intra and Extra Oral Examination
Dental and Periodontal Charting and Assessment
Soft Tissue, Bone, and Tooth Abnormalities
Radiology/Imaging - 15%
Dental Hygiene Care Planning - 13%
Patient Care - 19%
Periodontal Procedures
Infection Control
Medical Emergency Management
Dental Specialties and Pharmacology - 14%
Dental Specialties
Applied Pharmacology

115 Minutes