Back To The American Board of Dental Examiners Press Room

ADEX Completes First Dental Licensure Examination in Saudi Arabia

First exam culminates three years of strategic collaboration with King Abdulaziz University and the Saudi Health Commission

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (January 14, 2026) – The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX), a leading dental testing organization, has completed the inaugural administration of the ADEX Dental Examination in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone by making the American standard for clinical assessments available in the eastern hemisphere.

The examination was conducted during the first week of January 2026, at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah. KAU is one of only two Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-recognized dental education programs operating outside of United States, positioning it as a highly qualified international exam site for delivery of the ADEX examination.

“This examination represents the culmination of nearly three years of planning, collaboration, and shared commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Benjamin Wall, Director of Examinations for ADEX. “The facilities, faculty support, and operational readiness at King Abdulaziz University met the rigorous standards required for the ADEX examination.”

The Saudi Arabia exam administration reflected significant coordinated planning between ADEX and King Abdulaziz University, including multiple site visits, infrastructure validation, examiner preparation, and operational testing to ensure the examination was delivered in accordance with established psychometric, clinical, and security standards.

“We are deeply grateful to the leaders at KAU for their dedication and collaboration in bringing the ADEX examination to Saudi Arabia,” said Dr. Mark Armstrong, Chair of ADEX. “This expansion represents a meaningful step forward in furthering our mission and contributing to international dental competency standards that may ultimately protect public health and safety worldwide.”

While the ADEX Dental Examination is not required for licensure within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, many candidates pursue the exam for the professional distinction it represents and for its acceptance by U.S. licensing jurisdictions. The successful completion of this administration further reinforces the ADEX examination’s role as a trusted, internationally recognized measure of clinical competency.

Saudi Arabia now joins a growing list of international locations where the ADEX Dental Examination is administered, including Canada, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Mexico. ADEX continues to work with academic institutions, regulators, and examiners to uphold consistent standards while responsibly expanding global access to high-quality licensure assessments.

Where did ADEX hold its first exam in Saudi Arabia?
ADEX conducted its inaugural dental examination in Saudi Arabia at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah during the first week of January 2026.

Is the ADEX exam required in Saudi Arabia?
The ADEX Dental Examination is not required for licensure within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but many candidates pursue it for professional distinction and its acceptance by U.S. licensing jurisdictions.

What makes ADEX exams important?
ADEX examinations serve as trusted, internationally recognized measures of clinical competency that contribute to dental standards that protect public health and safety worldwide.

Where else does ADEX offer exams?
ADEX offers dental examinations in multiple international locations including Canada, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Mexico, and now Saudi Arabia.

When was the Saudi Arabia exam conducted?
The inaugural ADEX Dental Examination in Saudi Arabia was conducted during the first week of January 2026 at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

What preparation was needed for the exam?
The Saudi Arabia exam required significant coordinated planning including multiple site visits, infrastructure validation, examiner preparation, and operational testing to ensure proper standards.

What standards does ADEX maintain?
ADEX maintains rigorous psychometric, clinical, and security standards for its dental examinations to ensure consistent quality across all testing locations.

Why do candidates take the ADEX exam?
Candidates take the ADEX exam for the professional distinction it represents and for its acceptance by U.S. licensing jurisdictions, even in countries where it’s not required for local licensure.

What does this expansion represent for ADEX?
This expansion represents a meaningful step forward in furthering ADEX’s mission and contributing to international dental competency standards, according to Dr. Mark Armstrong on January 14, 2026.

How does the ADEX exam benefit Saudi dental professionals?
The ADEX exam provides Saudi dental professionals with an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates their clinical competency according to American standards, enhancing their professional qualifications both locally and globally.

What impact might the ADEX exam have on Saudi Arabia's dental standards?
The introduction of the ADEX examination in Saudi Arabia may contribute to aligning Saudi dental practice standards with international benchmarks, potentially elevating the overall quality of dental care in the Kingdom.