Southern Regional Testing Agency

Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA) is a non-profit organization that administers clinical dental and dental hygiene examinations in several states in the United States. The agency is one of the regional testing agencies recognized by various state boards of dentistry to provide clinical examinations for licensure for dental professionals. SRTA's examinations are designed to assess a candidate's ability to safely and effectively perform the necessary clinical procedures required to practice dentistry or dental hygiene.

History

The Southern Regional Testing Agency was established to standardize clinical examinations for dental professionals across its member states. The agency's formation was driven by the need to ensure that all dental professionals practicing in the region meet a consistent standard of care, thereby protecting the public and ensuring high-quality dental care.

Examinations

SRTA offers clinical examinations for both dentists and dental hygienists. These examinations assess a candidate's clinical proficiency in a variety of areas, including but not limited to, restorative dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics for dentists, and periodontal scaling, prophylaxis, and radiography for dental hygienists.

Dentist Examination

The dentist examination typically includes sections on restorative procedures, such as the preparation and placement of direct and indirect restorations, as well as endodontic and periodontal procedures. Candidates are evaluated on their clinical skills as well as their knowledge of dental materials and their application.

Dental Hygienist Examination

The dental hygienist examination focuses on the candidate's ability to perform periodontal scaling, prophylaxis, and take radiographs. It also tests the candidate's knowledge of dental hygiene theory and the ability to apply this knowledge in a clinical setting.

Member States

SRTA's examinations are recognized by several states in the Southern United States. Each member state has its own requirements for licensure, but passing the SRTA examination is a common requirement among them. Candidates are advised to check with the specific state board of dentistry where they wish to practice to understand all licensure requirements.

Preparation and Registration

Candidates preparing for the SRTA examinations can access study materials and practice exams from various sources. Registration for the examinations is done through the SRTA website, where candidates can also find information on examination dates, locations, and fees.

Controversies and Criticisms

Like many regional testing agencies, SRTA has faced criticism over the years. Some of the criticisms include the high cost of examinations, the stress and pressure on candidates due to the high-stakes nature of the exams, and concerns about the exams' relevance to modern dental practice. In response, SRTA has made efforts to update its examinations to reflect current practices and technologies in dentistry.

Future Directions

The Southern Regional Testing Agency continues to evolve its examination processes with advancements in dental technology and practices. There is an ongoing discussion within the dental community about the possibility of moving towards a national examination to replace the regional exams, which would require coordination among the various regional testing agencies, including SRTA.