On April 27, 2023, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law HF 656, making Iowa the first state to enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. HF 656 was sponsored by Representative Taylor Collins.
The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact will allow licensed dentists and dental hygienists to practice in any other member state by via a ‘compact privilege’. The compact reduces barriers to multistate practice and license portability.
Jill Stuecker, Division Director of Division of Professional Licensing and Regulation for Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, who was on the project team that developed the compact in Iowa, says:
“Iowa is proud to be the first in the nation to enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensure Compact.
By creating shared licensing standards that uphold public protection, licensure compacts strengthen our workforce. This is especially important in professions like dentistry, where workforce shortages exist. Compacts reduce barriers that licensed professionals face when trying to become licensed in multiple states, and create a streamlined process for sharing needed skills and expertise across state lines. We are excited to be a part of this important work.”
The compact will become active once enacted by seven states. For more information please contact dentalcompact@csg.org