Public Wants Dentists to Prove Practical Hand Skills Before Getting Licensed - 10 to 1 Public Relations
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Public Wants Dentists to Prove Practical Hand Skills Before Getting Licensed

New survey reveals strong public support for thorough dental licensing standards

ALEXANDRIA, VA (February 5, 2025) — A new national survey reveals most Americans oppose removing the hand skills test currently required by most states for dental professionals. The poll, commissioned by the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), shows strong public support for maintaining the highest standards in dental licensing. A hand skills examination requirement is excluded from pending legislation that would change dental licensure requirements in some states.

Hand skills examinations require dentists and dental hygienists to demonstrate their ability to perform surgical procedures safely and effectively in a clinical setting in addition to a written test. This test ensures qualified dental professionals possess not only the clinical knowledge but also the practical hand skills capability to provide the highest level of dental care.

The survey of 1,863 registered U.S. voters, fielded from December 30, 2024, to January 9, 2025, found that 82% of Americans agree hand skills examinations are necessary to assess a dentist’s ability to perform procedures safely. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.28 percentage points.

“Most people appear to want dentists to demonstrate their practical skills,” said Peter Mitchell, Chief insight Officer of Marketing for Change Co, which has conducted polling around a number of oral health topics. “Two thirds of those we polled opposed efforts to exempt dentists from hand skills testing.”

The survey shows strong public opposition to change and support for maintaining high standards in dental licensing:

  • 83% agree that dental professionals should meet state-specific continuing education requirements
  • 69% agree that current licensing standards should not be reduced
  • 65% oppose allowing dentists licensed under weaker standards in other states to practice in their state

The American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) is following proposed changes to dental licensure requirements across the country. With membership consisting of boards of dentistry from many states, they have proposed a licensure compact aimed at increasing portability while maintaining the highest level of standards.

“This survey confirms patients want to know that their dentists and dental hygienists can actually perform procedures competently and safely,” said Arthur Chen-Shu Jee, DMD, President of the Board of Directors of AADB. “The hand skills test provides that assurance. Removing this safeguard allows untested dentists to practice, risking patient care. As we consider changes to licensing, we must remember these vital exams directly impact patient safety and public trust in our profession.”

What do Americans think about dental licensing?
Americans strongly support maintaining high standards in dental licensing, with 82% agreeing that hand skills examinations are necessary to assess a dentist’s ability to perform procedures safely, according to a survey by the American Association of Dental Boards.

Who is the AADB?
The American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) is an organization with membership consisting of boards of dentistry from many states that has proposed a licensure compact aimed at increasing portability while maintaining high standards.

What is a hand skills test for dentists?
Hand skills examinations require dentists and dental hygienists to demonstrate their ability to perform surgical procedures safely and effectively in a clinical setting in addition to a written test, ensuring qualified dental professionals possess both clinical knowledge and practical capability.

Do people want dentists to take skills tests?
Yes, 82% of Americans agree hand skills examinations are necessary to assess a dentist’s ability to perform procedures safely, according to the AADB survey conducted from December 2024 to January 2025.

Why are hand skills tests important?
Hand skills tests ensure qualified dental professionals possess not only clinical knowledge but also practical capability to provide the highest level of dental care, with the AADB noting these exams directly impact patient safety and public trust.

Do Americans support continuing education for dentists?
Yes, 83% of Americans agree that dental professionals should meet state-specific continuing education requirements, according to the AADB survey released in February 2025.

What legislation is the AADB monitoring?
The American Association of Dental Boards is following proposed changes to dental licensure requirements across the country, offering an alternative licensure compact that increases portability while maintaining high standards.

Should dental licensing standards be reduced?
No, 69% of Americans agree that current licensing standards should not be reduced, with the AADB survey showing strong public demand for maintaining rigorous testing that includes hands-on skills assessment for dental professionals.

What is excluded from the DDH Compact legislation?
A hand skills examination requirement is excluded from the DDH Compact legislation sponsored by the Council of State Governments that would change dental licensure requirements in some states, despite 82% of Americans supporting such testing according to the AADB survey.