Seven states have recently introduced legislation to join the Instate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact created by the American Association of Dental Boards.
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Arizona legislators are currently considering a bill that would enter the state into the Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact.
The Georgia House Health Committee unanimously passed a bill to help dental schools in Augusta and Savannah, Ga., to recruit faculty members, according to a Feb. 20 report from Savannah Morning News.
There are currently 7,085 dental professional shortage areas in the U.S., according to new data from the Health Resources and Services Administration.
The Florida Dental Association is opposed to a bill that would establish dental therapists in Florida, according to a Feb. 17 report from the Tampa Bay Times.
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Pocatello-based Idaho State University has requested additional funding from the state to expand the Idaho Dental Education Program, idahoednews.org reported Feb. 11.
The shortage of dental professionals has significantly affected New Mexico, especially in rural communities, according to a Feb. 11 report from Albuquerque Journal.
Missouri legislators are considering joining the interstate Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
The Indiana House of Representatives approved a bill that outlines the framework for the state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
The persistent shortage of dental hygienists is leading to scheduling backlogs at dental practices, according to a Feb. 4 report from CBS affiliate WKRC.