Here are six states working to address the dental industry’s workforce shortages through legislation and programs:
1. The Maine legislature passed a bill creating a new pathway for prospective clinicians to earn an adjunct dentist license.
2. The authorization of dental therapists is expected to be up for consideration again during Florida’s 2026 legislative session, but pushback from the Florida Dental Association could hinder this initiative once more.
3. The first state passed legislation to adopt the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, with Louisiana passing HB543 into law without opposition.
4. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development launched the state’s first dental assistant registered apprenticeship program.
5. Massachusetts legislators are considering legislation to join two different interstate compacts.
6. The Illinois Senate is considering a bill that would provide dental students with a temporary license to alleviate dentist shortages.
