RIYADH: King Abdulaziz University and the American Board of Dental Examiners have signed a service contract to provide licensure examinations at the university’s faculty of dentistry.

The first exams will be held on the KAU campus from June 23-27 next year, according to a press release.

They will be conducted in computerized format, and will also involve manikin simulations and mock clinical examinations performed on patients.

A signing ceremony for the contract was attended by Prof. Hanaa Al-Naim, acting president of KAU; Prof. Adel Abuzunadah, KAU vice-president for academic affairs; Prof. Abdulghani Mira, dean of KAUFD; Dr. Mark Armstrong, ADEX president; Alex Vandevere, ADEX CEO; as well as other officials from both sides.

Under the contract, ADEX will conduct licensure examinations covering various dental specialties, including diagnostic skills, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics and periodontal therapy.

KAU is the first institution outside the US and South America to organize US licensure examinations for dental practitioners.

KAUFD is the only dental school outside the US to be accredited by the US-based Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Mira said that the contract will make KAUFD an international hub for ADEX licensure exams, attracting dental practitioners from around the world.

He added that the deal is part of KAU’s strategic plans, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, to promote strategic alliances for sustainability in the Kingdom.