assessment; implement procedures for conducting a criminal back- ground check; require continuing professional development; and pay a participation fee if one is established by the commission. Only two of the 15 active licensure compacts currently assess the state for a fee. The DDH Compact allows practitioners to practice in multiple states without needing to maintain licensure in multiple states. The practitioner would instead apply for a compact privilege through the compact, which is a much faster and less expensive process than applying for a state license. A dentist or dental hygienist who holds an active unencumbered license in a compact state can apply for a compact privilege. Then, the practitioner undergoes a Federal Bureau of Investigation background check. The practi- tioner’s license and eligibility are verified, then the practitioner pays the fees, and completes jurisprudence requirements. Upon verification, the practitioner receives a compact privilege and now has legal authorization to practice in the specific state where he or she holds a compact privilege (Figure 1). There are requirements for the practitioner using the compact. A dentist or dental hygienist must hold a qualifying license issued by a compact member state; however, the practitioner need not reside in the state. The practitioner needs to pass a national board exam administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Exami- nations and graduate from a predoctoral dental education pro- gram, or a dental hygiene education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The practitioner must have successfully completed a clinical assessment, met any jurispru- dence requirements, and paid applicable fees. CURRENT LEGISLATIVE STATUS OF THE COMPACT States join the compact by passing it through their state legislature and signing it into law by the state governor. Iowa became the first 26 SUPPLEMENT TO Dimensions OF DENTAL HYGIENE • January/February 2024 dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com state to sign the compact into law on April 27, 2023. Since then, Washington and Tennessee have enacted the compact. Minnesota, Ohio, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New Jersey have each introduced the compact to their state legislatures but, as of Novem- ber 2023, legislation has not been enacted. New Jersey, Ohio, Penn- sylvania, and Wisconsin are states with legislative sessions that last until the end of the year. Legislative sessions for 2023 in Minnesota and Kansas have ended, however, bills can be carried over into the 2024 session. The compact is enabled following the enactment by seven states. At that point, a commission consisting of one representative from each state will create the rules and the application process. Since the legislation was only just published in early 2023, it is not surprising that seven states have not yet joined. Several state dental hygienists’ associations and state dental societies have expressed interest in their state joining the compact. If your state association is in support of the compact, a representative may submit a letter of support to the CSG at [email protected] to be posted on the compact website. CONCLUSION Interstate compacts are just one of the many strategies states can take to alleviate licensure barriers. The DDH Compact seeks to benefit licensees, including veterans and military spouses, by facilitating mobility, expand- ing employment opportunities, and easing the burden of maintaining multiple licenses. Active military members and their spouses have the additional benefit of not being required to pay a fee to the commission for a compact privilege. The DDH Compact is not yet functioning and privileges to practice are not available. The CSG is tracking the introduction and enactment of the compact at ddhcompact.org. The ADHA continues to partner with the ADA and the CSG to support the DDH Compact to improve licensure portability, ease workforce shortages, and provide greater opportunities for dental hygienists to increase access to care and improve population oral health. REFERENCE 1. American Dental Hygienists’ Association. ADHA Policy Manual. Available at: adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ ADHA-Policy-Manual_FY23.pdf. Accessed December 26, 2023. P LICENSURE Compacts Compact Privilege lssued • A dentist or dental hygienist holds an active unencumbered license in a compact state. Residing in the state where he or she is licensed is not required. • The dentist or dental hygienist applies for a compact privilege. • The practitioner's license and eligibility are verified. • The practitioner pays fees and completes jurisprudence requirements. • The compact privilege is issued on behalf of the remote state. • The practitioner now has legal authorization to practice in the remote state where he or she holds a compact privilege. Application Reviewed Application Figure 1. Compact Privilege Process
