It was good to read your October JADA editorial addressing the licensure issue ("The Perfect Patient"). I wholeheartedly agree with you that the "ADA’s activity in this area should step up," especially concerning licensure by credentials.
Resolution 96H, eight years ago, stated that specialists should not be required to pass another general dentistry exam when applying for a license to practice their specialty in a different state. I commend the efforts and progress made by the ADA with the licensure conferences leading to the Agenda for Change.
This generation of practitioners supports licensure by credentials overwhelmingly. When a small minority of states (34 states plus the District of Columbia now accept credentials) stonewall for exclusionary reasons under the guise of "public protection," we not only lose patience, but also lose faith with the system in the long run.
You are absolutely correct in stating that "it’s time to resolve the issues surrounding licensure." The profession needs to "step up" the pressure on the remaining states. Let’s not wait another eight years for sensibility to prevail. Thank you.
