Colorado To Become Eighth State to Join Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact

Colorado may become the eighth state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. On May 7, the bill was sent to Gov. Jared Polis (D) for signature.

The compact is currently in the implementation phase. Participating states can take steps toward forming the Compact Commission which will oversee the compact and work toward implementation. Each participating state will have one commissioner selected by each state’s licensing authority.

Following implementation, the compact will create a pathway to licensure portability for dentists and dental hygienists who are licensed in member states. Licensees who live in states that are compact members can apply for a “compact privilege” that will allow them to practice in another member state. Under the model compact that was written by The Council for State Governments, license holders will be granted the opportunity to apply for compact privilege if they do the following:

• Hold a license as a dentist or dental hygienist;
• Graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited program;
• Successfully complete a clinical assessment for licensure, with “clinical assessment” currently defined as an examination or process required for licensure as a dentist or dental hygienist, as applicable, that provides evidence of clinical competence in dentistry or dental hygiene;
• Have passed a National Board Examination of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations or another examination accepted, by rule, as a requirement for licensure;
• Meet any jurisprudence requirements;
• Complete a criminal background check;
• Submit an application and pay applicable fees; and
• Comply with requirements to submit specified information for administrative purposes.

The compact has also been adopted by Iowa, Kansas, Tennessee, Maine, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Legislation to adopt the compact is also active in eight other states, including Colorado.