The Dentist and Dental Hygienist interstate compact has picked up steam and support in the past few months, fueled by dental professional shortages across the country.
The compact allows dentists and dental hygienists to practice in all states that are part of the compact with one license instead of having to obtain a separate license for each state.
Virginia recently became the fifth state to join the compact, which becomes active after seven states join. Iowa, Washington, Tennessee and Wisconsin have already joined the compact.
In addition, Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania have all introduced legislation to join.
Here is a timeline of states considering and passing legislation related to the compact that Becker's has reported on in recent months.
March 2024
- Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed Senate Bill 22 into law in March, making Virginia the fifth state to join the compact.
- The Kansas House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow the state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
- Minnesota legislators are considering a bill that would allow the state to join.
January 2024
- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a four-bill package that included ratifying the interstate compact.
September 2023
- The Nebraska Legislature weighed potentially joining the compact.
August 2023
- The Pennsylvania Senate and House both proposed a bill that would give the governor's office the ability to join the agreement.
May 2023
- Washington, Tennessee and Iowa all passed the dental compact.