1.  What is CITA?
 

The Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Inc. (CITA) is a non-profit corporation that was founded on July 15, 2005.  CITA was formed as a collaborative effort to provide clinical dental and dental hygiene licensure examination administrative services.  The Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Inc. (CITA) is an independent regional testing agency which administers the CITA examination. Regional testing agencies, such as CITA, contract with individual state boards of dentistry to administer the clinical examination required for licensure in those states.  Regional testing agencies do not have the authority to license individuals or implement policy that goes beyond the laws of its member states.  Furthermore, regional testing agencies should not be confused with state boards of dentistry.

2.  How do I apply for the CITA Examination?

You may download an application from this website by clicking here or you may contact the CITA office via phone  (919) 678-9792 or email (info@citaexam.com) to request an application by mail.

3.  If I am successful on the CITA examination, where will I be able to practice?

Currently, the member states that have joined CITA are Mississippi, North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama and Puerto Rico.  The following jurisdictions recognize the results of the CITA examinations:

**Alabama currently has submitted legislation allowing the recognition of the CITA examination.  Until the legislation becomes effective, Alabama is not authorized to license individuals who have taken the CITA examination. The legislation is expected to become effective in 2008.  Once legislation has become effective, Alabama will give retroactive recognition to individuals who have previously taken the CITA examination.

**Virginia accepts the results of the CITA examinations taken after September 1, 2007.

4.  Once I pass the CITA examination will I automatically be allowed to practice in those states that recognize the CITA examination?

As the testing agency responsible for administering the examination, CITA has provided to the Boards of the recognizing states information sufficient to establish that a score of 75 or more on each of the sections of the examination may represent an acceptable demonstration of competence to practice dentistry.  However, each State Board of Dentistry is responsible for determining whether a candidate has fulfilled its standards and requirements for licensure.  The State Boards’ determinations are controlled by state law; the requirements may not be uniform.  Each licensing jurisdiction may use the examination results to the extent authorized by its statutes.

5.  Do I have to send my National Board Scores to the CITA office?

Yes, once you have successfully completed the National Board Examination, you will need to have the National Board office in Chicago ((312) 440-2678) forward your scores to the CITA office.  Photocopies and/or your copies are not acceptable. Please have scores sent to:  15300 Weston Parkway, Suite 106, Cary, NC  27513.  Both the CITA office and the State Board of Dentistry in the state you plan to apply for licensure will EACH need a copy of your National Board Scores.

6.   Do I need to obtain limited liability insurance?

No.  Effective for CITA examinations administered on or after February 5, 2008 candidates will not longer be required to obtain professional liability insurance before being allowed to take a CITA dental or dental hygiene examination.  CITA has purchased a blanket Professional Liability Insurance policy that covers all dental and dental hygiene candidates, and their assistants, for all CITA examinations.  The cost of that coverage is included in CITA’s examination fee.  Candidates who have purchased a policy in anticipation of an upcoming examination should contact their agent to see if a premium refund is possible.