A new survey by the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) has revealed strong public opposition to the removal of a hand skills test currently required in most states for dental professionals. According to the poll, 82% of Americans believe eliminating this test could compromise patient safety, highlighting the importance of hands-on clinical proficiency in dentistry.
The survey, conducted among 1,863 registered U.S. voters, found that:
- 83% of respondents support state-specific continuing education requirements for dentists.
- 69% oppose any reduction in current licensing standards.
- 65% are against allowing dentists licensed under less stringent regulations in other states to practice in their state.
Hand skills tests serve as a crucial assessment of a dentist’s surgical dexterity and clinical expertise, ensuring they can perform procedures with a minimal margin of error. The results of this survey emphasize the public’s confidence in strict licensing protocols to maintain high-quality dental care and patient safety.
As discussions on dental licensing reforms continue, the AADB survey serves as a powerful indicator of public sentiment, reinforcing the need for maintaining rigorous standards in dental education and practice.