DENTIST COMPACTS: A CLOSER LOOK
I have been asked recently to explain which dentist compact would be better for practicing orthodontists who would like to have the opportunity to practice in multiple states. After contacting many resources, I will try my best to explain the differences that many state legislatures have had to address.
Dental professionals seeking to practice across multiple states often encounter significant licensure barriers. Two major initiatives aim to address these challenges: the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact and the AADB (American Association of Dental Boards) Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact. While both compacts facilitate multi-state practice, they differ in their structure, requirements, and scope. This article explores their similarities and differences.
Overview of the Compacts
Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact This compact, spearheaded by the Council of State Governments (CSG) with support from the Department of Defense AND the Executive Branch of the American Dental Association, establishes a mutual agreement among participating states to allow licensed dentists and dental hygienists to practice across state lines without needing additional licenses. The compact aims to increase workforce mobility, address shortages, and streamline the licensing process. As of May 2024, the following nine states have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact: Maine, Kansas, Virginia, Tennessee, Washington, Iowa, Wisconsin, Colorado and Minnesota. These states have passed legislation to join the compact, facilitating license portability for dental professionals. The compact became operational in April 2024 after Maine became the seventh state to enact it. However, the implementation process is estimated to take approximately 18 to 24 months. Therefore, practitioners in participating states cannot begin applying for compact privileges until implementation is complete.
AADB Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact Developed by the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), this compact also seeks to ease interstate licensure processes for dentists and dental hygienists. However, it operates with its own set of requirements and governance, separate from the CSG initiative.
Similarities Between the Compacts
Facilitating Multi-State Practice, both compacts aim to allow dental professionals to practice in multiple states with fewer administrative hurdles. Addressing workforce shortages by reducing licensure barriers, both initiatives seek to improve access to dental care, especially in underserved areas. Ensuring professional standards, both compacts require participating states to adhere to uniform licensing and professional conduct standards. Targeting licensed professionals, both are limited to already-licensed dentists and dental hygienists, ensuring that only qualified practitioners benefit from multi-state licensure.
Key Differences
The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact will be nationwide and focuses on states adopting uniform licensure criteria. The governance is managed by a commission formed under the compact specifically designed to benefit military spouses and personnel. It is being actively promoted for state adoption through state legislatures. For those seeking maximum flexibility, the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact offers a streamlined process with broad state participation. Military-affiliated professionals may find the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact more beneficial due to its targeted provisions.
AADB Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact will be an agreement among participating states with AADB-specific initiatives. There may be additional state-specific requirements overseen by the AADB and state dental boards. There will be no explicit provisions for military personnel. The compact is still evolving, with some uncertainty in state participation. For those preferring an AADB-governed system, the AADB Compact may offer advantages depending on state participation.
Conclusion
Both the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact and the AADB Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact represent crucial steps toward modernizing dental licensure. While they share common goals, their differences in governance, scope, and implementation may influence which option is more beneficial for individual practitioners and individual states. As more states consider adoption, dental professionals should stay informed about developments to take full advantage of these licensure pathways.
For the most current information on the compact’s status and participating states, you can visit the official Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact websites.
L. Jeffrey Lowenstein, DMD
NESO Legislative Correspondent