For those who can, check the new Nov. issue of ASDA news, page 2. I'd post the entire issue, but I don't know if I am allowed to distribute it via SDN.
FTA:
"The 2008 ADA Annual Session was the first opportunity for the ADA House of Delegates to consider the implications of the NBDE changes, and they took advantage of it. Dr. Arthur Dugoni, long time supporter of organized dentistry and student issues, proposed an amendment to a resolution that could result in more full-body reconstructive surgery to the NBDE. Essentially, the resolution urges the Joint Commission on National Dental Examination (JCNDE) to rewrite/restructure the exam in such a way that it will be a secure and valid assessment of candidates by November of 2011. Further, the resolution requests that the current system of reporting standard scores be left in place until the new exam is ready. I will share with you some of the arguments for this resolution as presented in caucuses and on the House floor.
[...]
Either way, the people have spoken, and hopefully the JCNDE will listen and act accordingly. While the ADA does not control the JCNDE, they have made a clear and strong recommendation – lace up."
So it seems like nothing was decided by the JCNDE, which makes the test. What happened is that the ADA strongly suggested the above changes.
And this is for my homeboy, wirednerv:
http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/adea_2008_jcnde_update_nbde.pdf
page 8:
"Underlying assumption: Part I and Part II are a series of two examinations designed to evaluate the theoretical knowledge base underlying the competent practice of general dentistry, which is a unified field of practice comprised of many elements.
Expressed purpose: to assist state boards in determining the qualifications of dentists who seek licensure to practice dentistry. The examinations assess the ability to understand important information from the basic biomedical and dental sciences and also the ability to apply such information in a problem-solving context."
The test was to make sure students had their basic knowledge so they know the theoretical knowledge and don't mess up in practice (ie. in the clinical portion of their education and beyond).