Legislation to join the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact has been introduced in five states, according to the American Association of Dental Boards. The states are Mississippi, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. The legislative activity follows Louisiana’s adoption of the compact last year and an endorsement from the National Dental Association.
According to the association, the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact establishes a pathway for qualified dentists and dental hygienists to practice in multiple states while maintaining state authority over licensure and discipline. The association stated that the compact is intended to address workforce mobility needs while maintaining standards related to public health and safety.
“This momentum demonstrates a growing recognition that the IDDHL Compact is the right approach for dental licensure portability,” said Dr. Clifford Feingold, chair of the AADB. “When fully implemented, this compact will transform how dental professionals move between states, ultimately increasing access to quality dental care while maintaining the essential safeguards the public expects.”
The association reported that Mississippi advanced similar legislation in the prior year, with both legislative chambers approving the bill before the session ended. According to the association, a national poll also found that 82 percent of Americans believe hand-skills examinations are necessary to assess a dentist’s ability to perform procedures safely, a requirement included in the compact.
According to the association, states may join the compact without a participation fee, with operational costs covered by dental professionals who voluntarily apply for compact licensure. The compact requires graduates of Commission on Dental Accreditation–approved programs to pass the American Board of Dental Examiners licensure examination or to have five years of practice after passing a regional licensing examination. Additional requirements include criminal background checks, full reporting of disciplinary actions, and continued authority for individual state dental boards over licensing and enforcement within their jurisdictions.
The compact is administered through the AADB Repository, which the association described as a centralized system for verifying licensure credentials and sharing disciplinary information among participating states.
“We expect to see several additional states introduce IDDHL Compact legislation in the coming months,” added Dr. Feingold. “The positive response from legislators, dental professionals and regulatory boards signals a clear path toward a nationwide network that will benefit both practitioners and patients while preserving each state's regulatory authority.”
Founded to support standards in dental education and licensure, the American Association of Dental Boards represents boards of dentistry, specialty boards, current and former board members, administrators, attorneys, and dental educators, according to the association. The organization reported that thirty-five boards are currently members.
More information is available at aadbcompact.org.
