Attitudes and perceptions of U.S. dental students and faculty regarding dental licensure

The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes and perceptions of U.S. dental students and faculty members about National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) pass/fail reporting, an Integrated NBDE, clinical examinations, licensure process and strategies, and validity of licensure. A survey instrument consisting of ten statements with response options on a five-point Likert scale and a free-text comment section was developed and distributed through SurveyMonkey. A total of 411 students and 186 faculty members from ten U.S. dental schools participated, with an estimated response rate of 17%. Faculty and student responses were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. These students' and faculty members' attitudes and perceptions were similar. Both groups showed mixed attitudes about NBDE scores as pass/fail, rather than numerical scores. The Integrated NBDE solicited mixed opinions and concerns that it would be complicated and stressful because students would be challenged to memorize information from earlier years. However, a single national clinical examination was highly preferred by both groups, preferably with simulated rather than real patients. Other strategies, such as background checks and continuing education requirements, were supported by both groups. Most of the licensure process strategies and policies were supported by both student and faculty respondents in the dental schools surveyed.