Central Regional Dental Testing Service

Over 50 Years of Dental and Dental Hygiene Testing Excellence!

About Us

About CRDTS

We've been developing and administering examinations on behalf of State Dental Boards since 1969. Originally established as a regional agency serving dental boards in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, today we are a nationally recognized testing agency.

With portability through initial licensure and/or credentialing, our exams are accepted throughout the U.S. With more than 50 years of testing excellence, we have a proud history of data gathering and psychometric analysis ensuring that our exams are current and valid. Our dental and dental hygiene examiners are passionate about the profession and are dedicated to providing the best exam experience for every candidate.

Our recent expansion includes the development of independent test sites providing candidates with additional test site options. Exams are offered monthly at our Central Office location in Topeka, KS and candidates can register online.

Remediation and reeducation are also offered at our Topeka facility through our CARE Program. This provides a tool for licensees needing to remediate, enhance their hand skills, or reeducate after being away from practice for a period of time.

Why Choose CRDTS?

Reliability

For over 50 years we’ve been a mainstay in national clinical testing as a pathway toward licensure. CRDTS is governed by our Member State Dental Boards and State Dental Commissions that regulate dental and dental hygiene licensure. Together, the CRDTS Members and CRDTS professionals develop and administer fair, valid, and reliable examinations to assess the competency of candidates wishing to practice dental and dental hygiene.

Portability

CRDTS examinations are recognized and accepted in over 40 states nationwide and that number is expected to increase.

Integrity

CRDTS is dedicated to the commitment of excellence in testing with integrity and professionalism. The highest of standards are maintained through a process of continually assessing and enhancing the content of our examinations. Candidates can be confident that CRDTS exams provide a fair and level playing field for all.

Key benefits:

  • Patient based and simulated patient exams
  • Same-day results and on-site retakes for most exams
  • Insurance is included for all candidates
  • Independent testing sites available for your convenience

Our Staff

Richael “Sheli” Cobler

Executive Director

richael@crdts.org
Mark Edwards, DDS

Director of Dental Examinations

mark@crdts.org

Kelly Mandella, RDH, MS

Director of Dental Hygiene Examinations

kelly@crdts.org

Trelawny Saldana, RDH

Assistant Director of Dental Hygiene Examinations

trelawny@crdts.org

Catrice Opichka, RDH

Director of Special Programs

catrice@crdts.org

Renee’ Gideon

Office and Accounts Manager

renee@crdts.org

Shanee’ Askren

Exam Administration and Information Technology Manager

shanee@crdts.org

Amelia Hursey

Special Programs Administrator

amelia@crdts.org

Katrina Gomez

Materials & Exam Administrator

katrina@crdts.org

Tracy Henry

Administrative Assistant

tracy@crdts.org

Our Executive Committee

Otto Dohm, DDS

President

Deena Kuempel, DDS

President Elect

Andrew Johnston, RDH

Vice President

Secretary/Treasurer

Rod Hill, DDS

Executive Chair Dental Examinations

Lisa Kucera

Executive Chair Dental Hygiene Examinations

Our History

It all started in 1969, when our first simultaneous board was given at the UMKC School of Dentistry. Three years later, we held our first exam at Creighton University as Central Regional Dental Testing Service.

In the decades that followed, we continued to refine our testing process and grow in our acceptance nationwide. We’ve adopted technologies along the way that have allowed us to set the standard for convenient and reliable exams.

In recent years, we've added more options for greater convenience and flexibility for our candidates:

  • Simulated exams
  • Local anesthesia
  • Restorative auxiliary
  • Dental therapy
  • Independent testing sites

We continue to build on this history of innovation to remain at the forefront of the dental exam community well into the future!

Topeka Education Facility

Available for Remediation/Reeducation and Independent Exams

Proud to Collaborate with Industry Leaders