Two interstate compacts have come into play in recent months as an innovative solution to the dental industry’s workforce shortages.
The two compacts have key differences, but some states are considering joining both.
Here is where both compacts stand so far:
Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact
The Interstate Dentist and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact aims to improve license portability for dentists and dental hygienists, allowing dental professionals to practice in all participating states without obtaining a license for each individual state. This compact is backed by the American Dental Association.
States enacted: Nebraska, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Ohio, Kansas, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
States with legislation pending: Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact
The Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact is backed by the American Association of Dental Boards as a streamlined pathway for dental professionals to gain licensure in different states while maintaining certain standards. Unlike the ADA-backed compact, the AADB-backed compact prohibits regulations that override state law, requires the transfer of disciplinary actions and mandates hand skills exams.
States enacted: None
States with legislation pending: Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas.