 What is the name of the new version of the licensing exam?
The name is the “The National Denturist Association, USA Denturist Examination”.
 What is the “The National Denturist Association, USA Denturist Examination”?
The “The National Denturist Association, USA Denturist Examination” is a proprietary exam which is owned and copyrighted by the “The National Denturist
Association, USA Inc. This examination is intended to provide one of many tools needed in a licensing process. It assists the state licensing body in their responsibility to identify entry-level professionals whose knowledge and clinical skills meet or exceed basic expected professional standards. The National Denturist
Association, USA Inc. (NDA,USA) subscribes to all US laws regarding testing policies, standards, and practices; including candidate rights to fair-testing, information accuracy and privacy, and the right-to-know and the right-to-appeal a pass/fail decision.
 How does this test compare to previous versions of the test?
Scores from the current test administration are directly comparable to scores from previous versions of the test given by the State of Oregon. NDA, USA conducted a job analysis study and survey of professionals in the field in late 2012 in order to determine the knowledge, skills, and abilities currently required for safe and effective entry-level practice as a Denturist. The current test is based on the results of these studies and reflects new skills and a different content balance than was contained in previous versions of the test (which was based on an examination conducted by the State of Oregon and Washington). Because the content of the new and old versions of the test differs, the scores are not directly comparable. The content and difficulty of the new test, along with the definition of the minimally qualified candidate, were explicitly considered when determining the passing score of the new version of the test. NDA, USA believes this passing score is rigorous and challenging and appropriately reflects the knowledge and skills required for licensure as a Denturist.
 What is the test form name?
The current test form is TF0002.
 When were the standards set for test form TF0002?
The standards for exam form TF0002 were set on August 14, 2013. Beginning
October 25, 2013 the NDA, USA developed test Form TF0002 and is nearly the same as the Oregon Health licensing examination. The addition of items resulted in no increase in the difficulty of the test.
Therefore, NDA, USA recommends a cut score of 168 (70%) for examinees taking test form TF0002. This passing score was calculated using statistical methods (i.e., equating) to identify a passing score on the new form that conveys the same level of
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expectations as the passing score of the regulated states. This adjustment helps ensure fairness in passing decisions across test forms.
 NDA, USA continues to recommend reporting only pass/fail decisions based on
overall exam performance. The NDA, USA recommended passing score is on a raw score (i.e., number correct) scale. NDA, USA may create new operational test forms as part of ongoing test maintenance; the new forms may not be exactly the same as the previous test forms. The actual passing score will remain the same, but the meaning of the passing score (i.e., the level of knowledge and skills required for a passing score) will remain the same.
In order to prevent confusion regarding passing scores when candidates take the test multiple times (using different forms), NDA, USA recommends that licensing boards only report pass/fail decisions to candidates (as opposed to raw scores or percent correct scores).
 How will NDA, USA provide results of the exam?
NDA, USA will provide the licensing body with a score report for each test-taker indicating his/her performance on the examination and NDA, USA recommended passing score (raw cut score). NDA, USA strongly suggests that your licensing body adopt NDA, USA recommended passing score for this new examination.
 What is a score report?
A confidential report provided by NDA, USA to the licensing body containing information that documents the candidate’s test performance and recommended result.
 Is the score report secure?
NDA, USA protects the score report document with a password that is only given to the licensing body administrator.
 Who decides if a candidate passed the exam?
It is up to the state licensing body to determine if the test-taker passed or failed the written examination. NDA, USA strongly suggests that your licensing body adopt
NDA, USA’ recommended passing score (raw cut score) for this new examination.
 How should the licensing body make a pass/fail decision?
The “National Denturist Association, USA Licensing Examination” was developed to make pass/fail decisions based on overall examination performance. NDA, USA does not support pass/fail decisions based on section level performance. This examination was developed to aid in licensure decisions for denturists (e.g., competent or not competent as determined by pass/fail decision). The test was designed based on input from a formal job analysis study and survey of professionals in the field. The test content is organized into several sections (i.e., areas relevant for safe and effective practice). However, in order to balance accurate pass/fail decisions and reasonable test lengths, the test was not designed to provide
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diagnostic information at the section level as any performance measures reported at this level would be considered unreliable. NDA, USA strongly suggests that your licensing body adopt NDA, USA’ recommended passing score for this new examination.
 What is NDA, USA’s recommended passing score?
The National Denturist Association (NDA, USA) recommends pass/fail decisions based on overall exam performance.
NDA, USA’ recommended passing raw cut score is 168.
NDA, USA’ recommended passing percentage score is 70%.
NDA, USA recommends that the licensing body simply report the candidate’s result
– either “pass” or “fail”. In order to prevent confusion regarding passing scores when candidates take the test multiple times (using different forms), NDA, USA recommends that licensing boards only report pass/fail decisions to candidates (as opposed to raw scores or percent correct scores).
 What is a cut score?
The minimum score required to pass the test. A cut score can be expressed as a raw score, a percent score, or a scaled score. NDA, USA used a modified Angoff standard setting study to determine the appropriate cut score for this first operational form.
Cut scores for subsequent forms will be determined via a statistical equating process.
 How was the passing score determined?
The NDA, USA recommended passing score was obtained through a systematic standard setting study. Standard setting is the process of defining the performance expectations of the minimally qualified candidate and translating that performance expectation into a passing score. NDA, USA chose to use the yes/no variation of the
Angoff standard setting method for this study. This methodology is widely accepted and has been well documented and researched within the testing industry; it is commonly used for determining passing scores for licensure programs.
The standard setting study was conducted with the input of an independent panel consisting of experienced, licensed Denturists. The study was facilitated by an independent third party testing organization that has extensive experience with the methodology.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the licensing body to determine if a candidate has demonstrated sufficient competency to be eligible for a license. Licensing bodies who apply passing scores different from those recommended by NDA,
USA will be responsible for the justification and defensibility of the decisions
made using those passing scores.
For more information on the standard setting methodology, refer to:
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Impara, J. C., & Plake, B. S. (1997). An alternative approach to standard setting.
Journal of Educational Measurement, 34(4), 355-368.
Plake, B S., & Cizek, G. J. (2011). Variations on a theme: The modified Angoff, extended Angoff, and yes/no standard setting methods. In G. J. Cizek (Ed.), Setting
Performance Standards: Foundations, Methods, and Innovations (2nd ed., New York,
NY: Routledge.
 How many points were possible on this exam form?
After initial analysis and review of the beta test results, a set of (240) test items was chosen to constitute the operational test form. The NDA, USA recommended passing score is on a raw score (i.e., number correct) scale. The total possible is 240.
 What information is on the score report?
NDA, USA will provide each licensing body with a score report that lists each candidate in the licensing board’s jurisdiction who took the test, the candidate’s overall raw score and the candidate’s overall percentage score.
If the candidate score is at or above the cut score, the candidate passes the test. If the candidate score is below the cut score, the candidate fails the test. The licensing board is responsible for determining the pass/fail status of the candidate and for communicating the candidate’s results.
 What is a candidate score?
The score achieved by a candidate. Candidate scores are expressed as a raw score and percent score on the NDA, USA Score Report. The candidate score should be used to determine if the candidate passes or fails the test. According to NDA, USA, if a candidate score is at or above the cut score, the candidate passes the test. If a candidate score is below the cut score, the candidate fails the test according to NDA,
USA.
 What should the licensing body report to the candidate?
NDA, USA recommends reporting only pass/fail decisions based on overall exam performance. The NDA, USA recommended passing score is on a raw score (i.e., number correct) scale. As NDA, USA creates new operational forms, they will be exactly the same difficulty as the current test form.
NDA, USA recommends that the licensing body simply report the candidate’s
result – either “pass” or “fail”. In order to prevent confusion regarding passing scores when candidates take the test multiple times (using different forms), NDA,
USA recommends that licensing boards only report pass/fail decisions to candidates
(as opposed to raw scores or percent correct scores).
All test-taker inquiries regarding the results of the examination should be handled through you, the state licensing office, not to the National Denturist Association,
USA.
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 How do I answer questions about the new examination or a candidate’s
results?
Licensing body administrators should do their best to answer questions about the examination BEFORE referring the candidate to NDA, USA. The pass/fail decision
is that of the licensing body, not NDA, USA. NDA, USA is not permitted to share performance information with candidates.
 How is this exam scored?
This exam utilizes dichotomous scoring, meaning the answer selections are either right or wrong (1, 0). In our research we found this scoring method to not only be the standard for healthcare exams but for competency exams as a whole. There is legal precedence with dichotomous scoring that provides peace-of-mind for licensing bodies working with the issue of professional competency.
Test-takers earn one (1) point for getting the question correct. He/she earns zero
(0) points for getting the question incorrect (wrong)and/or unanswered questions.
Please refer to the sample test questions in the study guide.
Test-takers receive a score based upon their performance on the two hundred forty (240) item operational form.
 Can a candidate appeal his/her score?
There is no appeal process through NDA, USA for challenging individual
Examination questions or results. However, in some jurisdictions, Candidates may be able to request score verification for a fee of $150.00 per Examination.
Should Candidates have any questions regarding their local licensing board’s policies or procedures, as it relates to score verifications or other matters,
Candidates are advised to contact their licensing board.
 How was this exam developed?
This examination was developed by practicing professionals in the field of
Denturism. These individuals volunteered their time and expertise to this project under the guidance of a test development system. During the development stages of this examination, a job-analysis survey was distributed to denturists. From the survey data, a competency model was developed. The “National Denturist
Association Examination for Denturists” consists of multiple-choice and true and false items. Questions from each competency area are included on the examination form. This requires candidates to answer questions from each of the competency areas. Please refer to the NDA, USA competency model in the study guide.
 What topics does this exam cover?
This assessment is based on the new competency model (IFD Competencies Exam
Blueprint). The competency model identifies the competencies against which the candidate will be measured. It also indicates the weight (%) of each competency or group of competencies. The new competency model is located in the NDA, USA study guide.
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 What textbooks and reference materials are recommended for the new
assessment?
Anatomy & Physiology (Eighth Edition)
By: Kevin Patton & Gary Thibodeau
Published by: Elsevier, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-323-08357-7
Microbiology & Infection Control
Infection Control and Management of Hazardous Materials for the Dental Team (Fourth Edition)
By: Chris H. Miller & Charles John Palenik
Published by: Mosby, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-323-05631-1
Oralfacial Anatomy & Biomechanics
Anatomy of Orofacial Structures (Seventh Edition)
By: Brand & Isselhard
Published by: Mosby, 2003
ISBN-13: 978-0-323-01954-5
ISBN-10: 0-323-01954-4
General Histology, Dental Histology and Embryology
Dental Embryology, Histology, and Anatomy-Illustrated (Third Edition)
By: Mary Bath-Balogh & Margaret J. Fehrenbach
Published by: Elsevier, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4377-1730-3
Periodontology
Periodontology for the Dental Hygienist- (Fourth edition)
By: Dorothy A. Perry & Phyliss L. Beemsterboer
Published by: Saunders, 2007
ISBN- 13: 978-1-4160-0175-1
ISBN-10: 1-4160-0175-1
Oral Pathology & Medicines
Oral Pathology for the Dental Hygienist (Sixth Edition)
By: Olga Ibsen & Joan Phelan
Published by: Elsevier, 2014
ISBN- 978-1-4557-0370-8
NDA, USA 5/12/2014
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Dental Materials
Dental Materials: Properties and Manipulation (Tenth Edition)
By: John M. Powers & John C. Wataha
Published by: Elsevier, 2013
ISBN #978-0-323-07836-8
Radiographic Pattern Recognition
Dental Radiography Principles and Techniques (Fourth Edition)
By: Joen M. Iannucci & Laura Jansen Howerton
Published by: Elsevier, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4377-1162-2
Sociology
Seeing Sociology: An Introduction
By: Joan Ferrante
Published by: Wadsworth, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-495-60485-3
Dental Psychology & the Aging Process
Toward Healthy Aging-Human Needs & Nursing Response
By: Theris A. Touhy & Kathleen Jett
Published by: Elsevier, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-323-07316-5
Pharmacology
Applied Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist (Sixth Edition)
By: Elena Bablenis Haveles
Published by: Mosby, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0-323-06558-0
Public Health, Legislation and Research
Community Oral Health Practice for the Dental Hygienist
By: Kathy Voigt Geurink
Published by: Elsevier, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4377-1351-0
Pre-Clinical Prosthetics
Prosthetic Treatment of the Edentulous Patient
By: R.M. Basker, J.C. Davenport & J.M. Thomason
Published by: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4051-9261-3
NDA, USA 5/12/2014
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Pre-Clinical Prosthetics
Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients
By: Zarb, Hobkirk, Eckert & Jacob
Published by: Elsevier, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-323-07844-3
Nutrition
The Dental Hygienist’s Guide to Nutritional Care (Fourth Edition)
By: Cynthia A. Stageman & Judi Ratliff Davis
Published by: Saunders, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4160-6398-8
Clinical Prosthetics
Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients (Thirteenth Edition)
By: Zarb, Hobkirk, Eckert and Jacob
Published by: Elsevier, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-323-07844-3
Speech & Communication
Communication Skills for the Healthcare Professional
By: Laurie Kelly McCorry & Jeff Mason
Published by: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-1-58255-814-1
ISBN-10: 1-58255-814-0
English Composition
Thinking Critically (Tenth Edition)
By: John Chaffee
Published by: Wadsworth, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0-495-90881-4
ISBN-20: 0-495-90881-9
Clinical Prosthetics
Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients (Thirteenth Edition)
By: Zarb, Hobkirk, Eckert and Jacob
Published by: Elsevier, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-323-07844-3
NDA, USA 5/12/2014
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Medical Emergency Care
Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office (Sixth Edition)
By: Stanley F. Malamed
Published by: Mosby, 2007
ISBN-13: 978-0-323-04235-2
Dental Psychology
Behavioral Sciences for Dentistry
By: Gerry Humphries & Margaret S. Ling
Published by: Churchill Livingston(Elsevier)
ISBN: 0-443-051090-9
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable Partial Dentures: A Clinician’s Guide
By: John D. Jones & Lily T. Garcia
Published by: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8138-1706-4
Ethics, Legal and Professional Relationships
Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Occupations (Second Edition)
By: Tonia Dandry Aiken
Published by: Saunders, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4160-2262-6
Denture Over Implants
Dental Implant Prosthetics
By: Carl E. Misch
Published by: Elsevier, 2005
ISBN-13: 978-0-323-01955-2
ISBN-10: 0-323-01955-2
Small Business Management
Small Business Management –Entrepreneurship and Beyond (Fifth Edition)
By: Timothy S. Hatten
Published by: South-Western, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0-538-45314-1
ISBN-10: 0—538-45314-1
Practice Management
Practice Management for the Dental Team (Seventh Edition)
By: Betty Ladley Finkbeiner & Charles Allan Finkbeiner
NDA, USA 5/12/2014
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Published by: Mosby, 2012
ISBN-978-0-323-06536-8
Dental Laboratory Technology
Basic Sciences, Removable Prosthodontics, and Orthodontics
Air Force Pamphlet 47-103
Volume 1
 Where does the candidate take the new computer-based test?
The options are 1) take the exam at the next NDA, USA conference, 2) take the exam at the next state conference or, 3) have the exam scheduled at a learning center or community college and the NDA, USA will ship the examination tablet there. At this time, the candidate will pay the fee for the exam. If option one or two is chosen the fee is $350. If option 3 is chosen the fee is $350 plus the shipping to the facility and if there are any fees for taking the exam at that facility the candidate will have to pay the facility.
 Can our office be a testing center?
Not at this time.
 What is the name of the computer-based testing tool?
Learning Management System is an online secured testing tool that allows NDA, USA to create tests, manage test-taker accounts, deliver online tests, and run robust reports in a highly secure and convenient environment.
 What is the cost of the new computer-based exam?
The price of the examination is $350.00 USD. NDA, USA will collect payment directly from the test-taker. The fee will be collected when an eligible test candidate schedules his/her exam. Licensing bodies will not be invoiced for the examinations.
There will be no financial transactions between the licensing body and the National
Denturist Association, USA. In addition, the licensing body may or may not change any fees it collects directly from the candidate.
 What should our licensing board members be doing now?
At this time, licensing bodies should be reviewing and changing administrative rules, if required. NDA, USA strongly suggests that your licensing body adopt NDA,
USA’ recommended passing score (raw cut score) for this new examination.
Many licensing boards currently require applicants to achieve a “passing score on the state exam”. We recommend that all licensing bodies adopt such language to prevent the need to open regulations and/or statutes in the future to reflect subsequent changes in the examination process, and review related laws and rules to determine other necessary updates.
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
 What do I say when a candidate asks, “Why did I fail the exam?”
1. Explain how the exam is scored. Refer to page 5 above.
2. Explain to the candidate that he/she must improve his knowledge in the twenty one (21) competency areas in the exam blueprint. Refer the candidate to the Study Guide. a. First, point out the competency model, and the “% of Total Exam”. This is an indicator of what material is most important, and bears the most weight on the exam. b. Focus on the recommended reference material. Suggest that the candidate attend NDA, USA’ Study Review Course – It is specifically designed as an intensive review to the profession. It is the BEST information for candidates to study and prepare for the licensing examination. Suggest that the candidate read each the books, and review contents. c. Highlight the sample test questions in the study guide.
As a reminder, NDA, USA is not permitted to share performance information with candidates.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE EXAMINATION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:
Clayton Sulek, DPD, DD, FCAD
NDA, USA Education Committee Chair
National Denturist, USA Association, Inc.
Phone: 360.305.9734
Email: clayton.sulek@nationaldenturist.com
Shawn Murray, LD
President, National Denturist Association, USA
Phone: 541.991.1754
Email: shawn@nationaldenturist.com
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