In response to the Question of the Month survey results ("Would Ending the Use of Human Subjects in the Clinical Licensure Examination Be a Positive Move for Dentistry?", January JADA), I disagree with the resolution adopted in October calling for an end to the use of human subjects in dentistry’s clinical licensure examinations.
One important advantage in treating live patients not discussed in the [report on responses to the Question of the Month] is the great benefit of free dentistry received that some patients otherwise could not afford. My periodontal patient received approximately $600 worth of scaling and root planing that would never have been done if not for the state board examination.
As far as incompetent work leaving the testing area, I have confidence in board examiners not to allow this to happen.
