Big Steps Ahead for License Portability
The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact Commission held its inaugural meeting on August 28, setting the stage for interstate license portability. While no final decisions were made, the groundwork was laid for future rulemaking, officer elections, and the implementation of a shared data system expected to streamline multi-state practice by fall 2025.
The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact Commission held its first meeting on August 28, 2024, bringing together representatives from the 10 states that have enacted the compact. This historic gathering was the first opportunity for the compact’s member states —Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin — to organize and discuss their roles. Although no conclusive decisions were made, the meeting laid crucial groundwork for future actions.
The compact aims to enhance license portability, allowing dental professionals to practice across member states with a single “privilege to practice” rather than multiple state licenses. During the meeting, attorney Samantha Nance presented draft rules, including clarifications on clinical assessments and disciplinary actions. Commissioners discussed governance, including the election process for officers and the shared data system, which will be crucial for the compact’s functionality.
Looking ahead, the commission will adopt bylaws, elect officers, and choose a data system in upcoming meetings. The goal is to have the system operational by fall 2025, enabling streamlined multi-state practice. Click here to read more.
