As a member of a test construction committee, a dental or dental hygiene test constructor can make a significant contribution to the profession. Their expertise and commitment enhance the quality of the National Board Dental and Dental Hygiene Examinations.

Test constructors are responsible for reviewing the test specifications based on current knowledge and practices within their respective fields. Implementing these specifications in their item selection for each examination is one method to ensure test validity. Test constructors are also responsible for constructing a clear, precise and cohesive group of test items for each examination, which directly influences score reliability. Therefore, it is essential to the quality of the examinations that the test constructors use their subject-matter expertise, their familiarity with the associated curriculum and their awareness of what is important in the field of general dentistry and dental hygiene in the construction of each new examination.

Annually, vacancies occur on the various National Board Dental and Dental Hygiene test construction committees. Information regarding vacancies on the test construction committees is posted in November with an application deadline in January of the following year.

The 2009 application deadline for 2010 vacancies has passed; however, committee vacancies for 2011 will be posted in early November 2009.