For successful licensure, what must all applicants achieve on the Board's sterilization and jurisprudence examinations?

The requirement for all applicants to achieve a passing score on the Board's sterilization and jurisprudence examinations is based on the necessity to ensure that practitioners possess the fundamental knowledge needed to ensure patient safety and compliance with health regulations. A passing score indicates that the applicant has demonstrated an adequate understanding of essential concepts related to infection control practices and legal requirements within the dental profession. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining standards that protect both dental professionals and patients from potential health risks associated with inadequate sterilization techniques or failure to adhere to legal guidelines.

While it might seem favorable to aim for higher thresholds like a minimum score of 70% or even a perfect score, the essence of licensing focuses on confirming competency rather than promoting perfection. Moreover, using an average score as a benchmark may not adequately reflect the individual capability of each practitioner concerning critical safety protocols. The goal of licensing examinations is to ensure that all professionals meet a baseline standard that guarantees they can safely practice within their field.