FAQs

Please provide us with an email that you check regularly. We suggest that you do not use a school email address as you may lose access to it after you graduate and at times our emails are blocked by school firewalls. We also recommend candidates do not use AOL email addresses, as AOL frequently blocks our email.

Please do not create a duplicate profile. If you can’t get into your profile, first try the “Reset Password” link on the log-in screen.

Your profile will say pending until the exam schedule is posted. Schedules are posted approximately 3 weeks prior to the exam start.

You will need a passport-quality photo and a confirmed proof of graduation in order for your profile to be verified. See below for more information on acceptable methods of proof of graduation.

• For current students, the school can login and verify your status in our system, they can provide a list of graduating students, or they can provide us with a letter of good standing.
• Candidates who have graduated from accredited schools can upload their diploma, official transcript, or a letter from their school confirming their graduation. Ensure the document has the following information: name, profession, graduation date, degree, and school name.
• Internationally-trained dentists currently enrolled in a post-graduate residency program can provide a state-only letter, an authorization form from their school, or the school can verify their account in our system.
• Internationally trained dentists not in a post-graduate residency program must provide a letter from the state board saying they are eligible to take the exam.

Verification takes 2-3 business days to process.

Below are a few reasons why your profile may not have been verified yet:

• Have you uploaded a photo?
• If you are still a student, have you put down the correct school and date of graduation?
• If you have graduated, have you uploaded proof of graduation?
• If the name on your diploma is different from the name you’re applying under, have you uploaded proof of the name change?

To ensure that your profile is accurate we ask all candidates to personally create profiles and upload relevant documentation.

A candidate whose name has legally changed after creating a profile but before attempting any part of the ADEX examination series must FIRST ensure that all of their IDs reflect their new name. Candidates are required to present two forms of identification (one must be a photo ID) when checking-in to the testing center for any computer-based exam, as well as during candidate registration at either the manikin or patient-based exams. Once the identifications have been changed to reflect the new name, a Name Change Document must be uploaded in the candidate’s online profile. If your profile has already been verified, your profile will require re-verification in order to ensure that the documentation you uploaded is acceptable.

Every exam site provides different materials for candidates attempting the exam at their location. To find out more information on your specific exam site, please find your site on the exam calendar page and open the Exam Site Information link.

Visit our Test Prep page, Dental page, and Dental Hygiene page for videos and other helpful exam tools. The CDCA-WREB-CITA does not release old examinations for review and there is no approved review course for either examination.

Yes. You can find our updated exam manuals on our website at the links below:

• Dental Exam Manuals
• Dental Hygiene Exam Manuals

Please review our Acceptance Map. This map is for illustrative purposes of the ADEX examination only and is updated with the intention of providing the most accurate information available. State laws/board rules can and do change from time to time. Prior to registering for any exam, you should check with the appropriate state board to verify current licensing requirements.

Visit our Test Prep page, Dental page, and Dental Hygiene page for videos and other helpful exam tools. The CDCA-WREB-CITA does not release old examinations for review and there is no approved review course for either examination.

No. You have the option of deciding which exam type you prefer to take. Prior to registering for any exam, you should check with the appropriate state board to verify current licensing requirements.

We can carry forward your fee to a future examination, or you may withdraw and if eligible, receive a refund. For either option, a $100 processing fee will apply. You have up until 72 hours before the first exam day to contact a team member to request a forward or withdrawal; after that, we cannot process such requests. * Please note: All requests for date change are subject to capacity/available space and whether or not the future location you select is willing to accept your registration.

Candidates must submit required documents indicating that they are qualified to participate in the ADEX exam series. Depending on your status—still in school, graduated, in a post-graduate program, internationally trained, already practicing, or any other status—there are required documents that must be verified as part of the online profile creation process. Please read through the following requirements carefully to ensure that you upload the correct documents.

A. Internationally-trained Candidates:

1. Currently NOT enrolled in a CODA or CDAC post-graduate program: Candidates with an undergraduate dental degree from a non-U.S. or Canadian educational program must be authorized to take the examination by at least one state or jurisdiction that accepts the results of the ADEX examination as an initial licensure exam in that jurisdiction. Therefore, graduates of international dental programs must contact the jurisdiction in which they are seeking licensure and have that state draft a letter (on its official letterhead) in writing to indicate that the candidate is authorized to attempt the licensure exam in order to apply for licensure in that state only. Results are sent to that individual state only.

2. Currently enrolled in a CODA or CDAC post-graduate program: There are special protocols that the CDCA-WREB-CITA will assist you with. Please contact the CDCA-WREB-CITA once your profile has been verified (https://www.cdcaexams.org/contact).

Internationally trained candidates do NOT receive ADEX Status.

B. Proof of Graduation/Letter of Authorization:

1. Candidates who have graduated from a CODA or CDAC school: a copy of your diploma, transcripts, or current non-expired license is required. If neither a copy of your diploma or a copy of your transcript is available, a letter from your school (on official school letterhead) confirming graduation is required.

2. Candidates who have not yet graduated: If the CDCA-WREB-CITA does not currently administer an exam at your school of record, a letter from the school on official letterhead confirming that you are authorized to participate in a clinical exam, as well as your expected graduation date, is required.

Sharing patients, while not recommended, is permitted. You and the person you are sharing a patient with MUST contact the CDCA-WREB-CITA or the school coordinator by the registration deadline to request to be placed on opposite schedules. Requests received after the registration deadline will be denied. Once your schedule is confirmed, you must inform the Chief Examiner on the day of your scheduled exam that you are sharing a patient. Each candidate must complete an individual Medical History Form and Patient Consent Form for the patient. The shared patient’s radiographs are evaluated independently for each candidate, so each candidate must have his/her own set of qualifying radiographs in order to attempt the exam. Copying radiographs for use by a second candidate rather than re-taking the radiographs is highly recommended.

Please be advised that depending on total numbers at an exam site there may not be both a morning and afternoon session.

No, we suggest that you talk with your school about whether patients of record at your school are used for exams or if you need to seek an outside patient.

Yes, as long as they meet the patient guidelines as noted in the exam manual.

Candidates must submit required documents indicating that they are qualified to participate in the ADEX exam series. Depending on your status—still in school, graduated, in a post-graduate program, internationally trained, already practicing, or any other status—there are required documents that must be verified as part of the online profile creation process. Please read through the following requirements carefully to ensure that you upload the correct documents.

A. Internationally-trained Candidates:

1. Currently NOT enrolled in a CODA or CDAC post-graduate program: Candidates with an undergraduate dental degree from a non-U.S. or Canadian educational program must be authorized to take the examination by at least one state or jurisdiction that accepts the results of the ADEX examination as an initial licensure exam in that jurisdiction. Therefore, graduates of international dental programs must contact the jurisdiction in which they are seeking licensure and have that state draft a letter (on its official letterhead) in writing to indicate that the candidate is authorized to attempt the licensure exam in order to apply for licensure in that state only. Results are sent to that individual state only.

2. Currently enrolled in a CODA or CDAC post-graduate program: There are special protocols that the CDCA-WREB-CITA will assist you with. Please contact the CDCA-WREB-CITA once your profile has been verified (https://www.cdcaexams.org/contact).

Internationally trained candidates do NOT receive ADEX Status.

B. Proof of Graduation/Letter of Authorization:

1. Candidates who have graduated from a CODA or CDAC school: a copy of your diploma, transcripts, or current non-expired license is required. If neither a copy of your diploma or a copy of your transcript is available, a letter from your school (on official school letterhead) confirming graduation is required.

2. Candidates who have not yet graduated: If the CDCA-WREB-CITA does not currently administer an exam at your school of record, a letter from the school on official letterhead confirming that you are authorized to participate in a clinical exam, as well as your expected graduation date, is required.

The CDCA-WREB-CITA does not issue Certificates.

The CDCA-WREB-CITA is not a licensing body; our role is to administer exams. When your scores are reported to you, they are also reported to all CDCA-WREB-CITA member state boards via an online database. After scores are reported, candidates should personally apply for their license with their state board.

Please note: If you are a graduate from a non-accredited school outside of US or Canada and took exams based on one State Board authorization, your scores will be reported to that State only.

We are unable to offer any assistance other than administering exams and reporting your scores. If you have any questions about licensure requirements, you must contact the State Dental Board directly.

Those wishing to practice dentistry or dental hygiene must adhere to the requirements set forth by the state they wish to practice in. The CDCA-WREB-CITA cannot override state requirements.

Please review our Acceptance Map. This map is for illustrative purposes of the ADEX examination only and is updated with the intention of providing the most accurate information available. State laws/board rules can and do change from time to time. Prior to registering for any exam, you should check with the appropriate state board to verify current licensing requirements.

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.

Graduates of all other international dental and dental hygiene programs are not eligible to take the regional dental and dental hygiene licensure examinations. This applies even if the candidate has earned a subsequent specialty degree or higher-level certificate at a US school. This is because licensure in the United States is a state-by-state responsibility and the states generally base eligibility on the candidate’s entry-level dental or dental hygiene degree and not on higher-level certificates.

However, each state has the right to authorize an international candidate to take an examination (fully equivalent to the regional examination) for potential licensure in that state alone. As each state has different requirements, any international candidate must apply separately to each state when they wish to obtain a license.

For an international candidate (other than a Canadian graduate) to take a dental or dental hygiene licensure examination, he/she needs to contact the state where they wish to practice and have that state officially notify this agency that this individual is authorized to take the licensure examination for that state. As a result, the grades for the examination will only be sent to that state.

No, the examination was authorized by an individual state as originally given. The candidate would need to take a new examination based on the credentials of a U.S. degree to have these regional examination results sent to all participating state jurisdictions.

No, this candidate still must get permission from a state dental board to be permitted to take the licensing examination for that individual state. Their entry-level dental or dental hygiene credential is still from an international school and determines their eligibility to take the regional examination.

Yes, but the candidate must request a Score Report. The report will indicate that the examination was not the regional examination but was an examination authorized by a specific state.

Dental:

• DSE OSCE (ADEX)
• Florida Laws & Rules.

Dental Hygiene:

• CSCE (ADEX)
• Florida Laws & Rules
• Local Anesthesia
• Nitrous Oxide
• Dental Therapy OSCE

Sedation exams:

• Minimal sedation
• Moderate sedation
• Deep sedation
• General Anesthesia
• Pediatric Sedation

To register for computerized exams, you must create a candidate account through our candidate portal. Then, follow the prompts to complete your account and select the examinations you wish to take.  Once any required documentation is received and approved you will see a green button at the top of your account dashboard to schedule your appointment with Prometric.

To cancel or reschedule your appointment you must log in to your candidate portal and select My Registration. Select the exam you wish to change and select either “Cancel” or “Reschedule.” Then simply follow the prompts. Cancelations are not accepted within less than 24 hours from the appointment time. Note, that candidates who do not cancel an appointment within at least 1 business day prior to their scheduled exam time will have a no-show result and the fees will be forfeited.

 Prometric charges the following:

• $25 fee to reschedule or cancel an appointment if the change is made 6 to 29 days before the scheduled test date.
• $50 fee to reschedule or cancel an appointment if the change is made 1 to 5 days before the scheduled test date and time.

As soon as you get a notification that your scores have been posted to your account, you can register for a retake through your online profile.

Follow the same steps to register for the examination then, look for a green button to schedule your retake.

Only in the case of the Local Anesthesia Exam.

For states that require both the LA computer and LA clinical examinations – please be advised that the computer exam must have a passing result no later than 15 days prior to the clinical exam. You may schedule your computer exam as soon as possible but no later than 15 days prior to the clinical examination.

Otherwise, exams do not need to be taken in any particular order. Keep in mind that all portions an ADEX exam must be passed within 18 months of taking the first exam section.

Items include multiple-choice (traditional/single response); multiple choice (multiple response), extended match, drop down, fill in the blank, hot spot, and drag and drop.

Hot Spot Question

• In this item format, you will be presented with an image or a figure. You will then be asked to select a region on the image or figure that corresponds to the prompt in the question stem. To select the region,  click the correct region with the mouse. To change the answer, click on the existing marker and drag it to a different location.  You will not get to highlight an entire area on an image, so be as precise as possible when making your selection. You may move the cursor around and select another part of the image at any time before moving on with a final selection. An example of a hotspot question is shown below. In this example, a correct answer would be selected by clicking the pupil
• 

Drag and Drop Question

• These item types will ask you to sort, order, or group like items. In the example below, a diagram is shown without labels or some missing parts. Examinees will be expected to refer to the image and use the cursor to click and pick up, then drop the labels. This type of question could also be used to sort, order, or express relationships
• 

Extended Match Question

• In an extended match question, you will be asked to click and then match one column of questions to another. Directions are  provided in the question. Question tasks include matching responses to targets or placing responses in a specified order.
  The example below is an extended match item. It asks the test taker to match the couples in literature. The test taker is supposed to click on a name in one column and match it with another.
• 

Multiple Response Question

• This item format is similar to a multiple-choice item; however, the multiple response item consists of a
  question with more than one correct response. The question will always indicate how many responses
  are correct. The candidate is asked to indicate correct responses.
  The example below shows a multiple response question.
• 

In the scheduling process, you will be asked if you require documented special accommodations. Select yes and upload your supporting accommodation document. Do not schedule an appointment before you receive a final response regarding your accommodation request.

All requests must be managed through your Candidate Portal.

You can find our current exam fees on their respective pages:

• Dental
• Dental Therapy
• Dental Hygiene
• Dental Auxiliary (EFDA)

Exam sites charge for the use of their facility or may require a refundable deposit. Site usage fees must be paid to the school before you take the exam. The “Site Info Sheet” will provide detailed information about the facility fee and instruments provided by the school. You can download this information from the calendar page.

* Please note: Some schools request that CDCA-WREB-CITA collect the facility fee payment on their behalf. For those schools, the facility fees will be automatically added to the candidate account upon registration.

Payment by check must be received by the registration deadline. Please send the check to the following address:

Payable to: CDCA-WREB-CITA
Address: 1304 Concourse Drive, Suite 100
Linthicum, Maryland 21090
Note: Add your CDCA-WREB-CITA candidate # and the exam you are registering for
Attn: Jean Parker

You must include your name and the exam you are paying for in a letter that should go along with the check or money order. If a school is paying for several students, a list of all students’ names and exams must be included with the payment.

No, payment must be completed in full.

No, be sure that the cardholder name and billing address are accurate.

No, your exam fee covers malpractice insurance for the exam.

You will be notified via email once scores are available in your online portal. Results are reported as Pass/Fail only, not numerical.

All score release estimates are listed below. You will receive an email when your scores have been posted and they can be viewed in your profile.

• Dental Hygiene Patient Treatment Clinical Exam: approximately 2-3 business days
• Dental Hygiene Simulated Patient Treatment Clinical Exam: approximately 3 weeks
• Dental Hygiene Local Anesthesia: approximately 2-3 business days
• Dental Restorative Exam: approximately 2-3 business days
• Dental Prosth/Endo/Perio Exam: approximately 3-4 weeks
• Computer-Based Exams: approximately 5 business days

Any jurisdiction can request access to the secure Score Portal. However, some states require additional reporting information (i.e. official score report). Contact the state board from which licensure is sought for their reporting requirements.

Visit the Scores page to submit a Candidate Score Request. Fee-based score reports contain cumulative results, including failures. Allow 7-10 business days processing. For reports to be emailed, specify the email address in the “Special Requests” text box.

• Include your license application number, if known. (Required for Wisconsin)
• Electronic delivery (email). Specify recipient email address (i.e. state licensing specialist or agency) in the “Special Requests” text box.
• If you attempted exams over multiple years, list each exam type and year.
• Include your name at the time of testing if it is different from your current name.
• Submit score request only after all results are posted.

If a non-failure or non-attempt letter is required for licensure, complete a Score Report Request. In the “Special Requests” text box, indicate the state for which the non-failure letter is required.

Changes or cancellations must be submitted via Contact Us. Note changes or cancellations are not eligible for a refund if submitted after Score Request processing is complete.

Refer to the Appeals section of the Scores page for information and criteria regarding the fee-based appeal process.

For computerized exams, you can register for your retake exam by logging into your profile. Computerized exams do NOT have a complimentary retake.

For clinical exams:

• If this is your third attempt or you don’t qualify for a complimentary retake, you can register for your retake exam by logging into your online profile.
• If you qualify for a complimentary retake, and the school you attend has a retake scheduled please wait one week as we will manually register you and adjust your fees. You will receive an email stating you have been registered for your retake and what your next steps are.
• If you are not a current student or your school has not scheduled a retake, please submit a Contact Us request stating:
  • What section(s) you would like to register for
  • An open/available exam location
  • The date of the exam

A representative will register you for the exam section and adjust your fees accordingly. You can also register for the exam section(s) yourself by logging into your account, but do NOT pay the fee. Once you are registered, our team will remove the fee from your account.

Candidates qualify for a complimentary retake if:

• They have registered for and paid the full exam fee and
• Any clinical exam sections were attempted on or after July 1, 2022

The complimentary retake includes one clinical section. A typodont fee of $150.00 will be charged, and any facility fees may be applicable. This does not include computerized exams.

Please reach out to your State Board to determine licensure requirements in your state.

Please contact a team member. Include documentation, such as a doctor’s note, accident report, family member’s death certificate, etc. If not available before the exam takes place, please send documentation as soon as possible after the exam. We will review your documentation and inform you of a final decision. If the documents provided are approved, we will carry the fees forward and you will be allowed to take the exam at a later date. Candidates may be required to pay a processing fee or a reduced fee, depending on the circumstances.

To find out more information on your specific exam site, please find your site on the exam calendar page and open the Exam Site Information link located in the calendar.

Candidates are asked to Contact Us with questions directly.

These are formats of the Dental exam; they cover identical material but are administered at different times. Traditional exams have all clinical portions taken over a two-day period. CIF exams have the clinical portions of the exam taken over a period of months and are open only to current students at their school (or residents, graduate students, and faculty at those schools who have received authorization from the school).

CIF exams are designed for current dental students at that particular school; residents, graduate students, or faculty at those schools, will require authorization from the school. In other cases, graduated dentists should register for Traditional format exams.

CDCA-WREB-CITA is the name of our organization. ADEX refers to the core Dental and Dental Hygiene exams we administer.

Once you take any portion of an ADEX exam, either Dental or Dental Hygiene, you have 18 months from that date to pass all portions. If you do not pass all portions within that period, or fail a section three times, you have to take the entire exam over.

The National Board Examinations (NBDE or NBDHE) are not prerequisites for the ADEX/CDCA-WREB-CITA exams. However, you should contact your state board to see if they have any specific requirements for licensure.