With Gov. Polis signing SB24-10 late May 17, Colorado became the eighth state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb24-010). The CDA strongly supported this legislation that seeks to provide licensees with opportunities to practice in other participating states, which increases mobility for individuals who are relocating, improves public safety and promotes workforce development by reducing unnecessary licensure burdens.
The compact allows a dentist or dental hygienist 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,
- completed a clinical assessment,
- graduated from an education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and
- have no disqualifying criminal history.
Although the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact has been enacted in seven other states at the time this article was published, compact privileges are not yet being issued. More states are expected to pass compact legislation this year. The implementation process for the compact will take 18 to 24 months. To get involved or learn about advocating for the interstate compact, please contact CDA Executive Director Molly Pereira at molly@cdaonline.org or 303-996-2844.