DDH Compact Basics

What is the DDH Compact?

The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact is an interstate occupational licensure compact. Interstate compacts are constitutionally authorized, legally binding, legislatively enacted contracts among states. This compact enables licensed dentists and dental hygienists to practice in all states participating in the compact, as opposed to them obtaining an individual license in every state they want to practice.

Who can use the DDH Compact?

A dentist or dental hygienist is eligible to participate in the compact if they have:

  • An active, unencumbered license in any state participating in the compact.
  • Passed the National Board Examination or other exam accepted by the compact commission.
  • Completed a clinical assessment.
  • Graduated from a predoctoral dental education program or dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
  • No disqualifying criminal history.

What’s next?

The Council of State Governments (CSG) has facilitated the development of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact model legislation. This legislation has been finalized for introduction during 2023 legislative sessions. Each state must enact the model legislation to join the compact. Supporters of the compact can contact the state chapter or national office of their professional membership association and state legislature to advocate for the interstate compact.

Download this information as a PDF below.

Dentistry_Compact_Fact_SheetDownload


Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact Model Legislation

CSG and a diverse group of stakeholders including ADA, ADHA, state regulators, and others wrote the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact model legislation over the course of two years. After an extensive public review process it was finalized in January 2023.

To introduce the legislation in your state, please use the model legislation linked below.

This project is funded by the Department of Defense.
The following language must be enacted into law by a state to officially join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
No substantive changes should be made to the model language. Any substantive changes may jeopardize the enacting state’s participation in the Compact.

Dentist_Dental-Hygienist-Compact-Model-Language_FinalDownload


The Council of State Governments National Center for Interstate Compacts reviews state compact legislation to ensure consistency with the model language. Please direct inquiries to Jessica Thomas at JThomas@csg.org.

CSG Hosts Compact Overview Webinar

On October 18, CSG hosted a webinar on the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. The webinar showcased the compact and its value for dentists, dental hygienists and states. Attendees learned about the benefits of interstate compacts, the features of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, answers to FAQs, and current status of compact legislation in states.

Access the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uu0XVwe8G

CSG Hosts Compact Overview Webinar

On October 18, CSG hosted a webinar on the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. The webinar showcased the compact and its value for dentists, dental hygienists and states. Attendees learned about the benefits of interstate compacts, the features of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, answers to FAQs, and current status of compact legislation in states.

Access the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uu0XVwe8G

Washington Enacts the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact

On May 4, 2023, Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1576 making Washington the second state to enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.

HB 1576 was sponsored by Rep. Michelle Caldier who is a licensed Dentist.

During the signing ceremony, Governor Inslee describes the bill as beneficial “for those relocating to Washington such as military or other migratory families. Participating in the compact will reduce barriers to joining the workforce.”

Governor Inslee highlights this benefit by saying, “I’m hopeful this is going to help these military families particularly.”

The compact will become active once enacted by seven states.

Iowa Becomes First State to Enact Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact

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

Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact Finalized

The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact project team approved the final draft of the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact legislation in January 2023.

This legislation will be distributed to the states for enactment during the 2023 legislative sessions. The Compact will go into effect once enacted into law by seven states.

The project team was composed of professionals, state regulators, and representatives of professional organizations, as well as staff from the National Center for Interstate Compacts at the Council of State Governments, which is facilitating the project.

The model legislation for the Compact may be downloaded here.