On May 13th, 2026, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 540 making Oklahoma the thirteenth state to enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. The bill was sponsored by Representative Erick Harris and Senator Brenda Stanley.
Senator Stanely expressed that ” By joining the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, we are removing unnecessary licensing barriers so these qualified professionals can continue practicing across state lines,” and that SB 540 “Is a meaningful step for military spouses working in dentistry and dental hygiene, who often see their careers and licensing disrupted by frequent relocations…” adding that “This compact will also help address Oklahoma’s shortage of dental hygienists by bringing experienced providers into our communities and keeping them in the workforce…”. Oklahoma Senate Press Release, March 13, 2026
Oklahoma’s neighboring states, Arkansas and Kansas have also enacted the compact. The compact legislation is pending in 7 other states.
The Compact Commission has met the seven-member state requirements for establishment and is currently developing its data system for full operationalization and privilege issuance.