Two separate interstate compacts focused on licensure portability for dental hygienists and dentists are gaining attention in 2025, each supported by different organizations and offering distinct approaches to multistate practice. The most recent announcement, from Louisiana, marks the launch of one compact, but another separate compact is already in the implementation phase.
According to the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), Louisiana has become the first state to enact the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure (IDDHL) Compact. Signed into law in Louisiana on July 1, 2025, House Bill 543 passed the legislature without opposition. The compact, developed by the AADB, is designed to streamline the licensing process for dental professionals seeking to practice in multiple states while preserving state authority and maintaining existing examination requirements.
“The compact facilitates a more efficient licensure process allowing practitioners to begin working in new states more quickly after meeting eligibility requirements,” said Representative Wayne McMahen during the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs hearing on May 7, 2025, in a press release from the AADB. “Joining the compact could significantly benefit Louisiana by expanding the dental workforce, improving access to care, and streamlining licensure process for dental professionals.”
The IDDHL Compact, the AADB press release stated, is modeled after the medical licensure compact and allows for expedited licensure for dentists and dental hygienists who graduate from Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-approved schools and who pass the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam or have five years of practice after passing a regional licensing exam. It also creates a centralized licensure verification and disciplinary information portal through the AADB Licensure Repository.
“This is a great step forward for dental care in Louisiana and the U.S., marking a significant milestone in dental care accessibility and professional mobility,” said Dr. Art Jee, president of the AADB’s Board of Directors, in a press release. “Louisiana’s adoption of the compact creates new opportunities for dental professionals to serve communities across state lines.”
Key features of the IDDHL Compact, according to the AADB press release, include expedited licensure for qualified professionals, greater mobility for dentists and hygienists, uniform competency standards to support patient safety, and cost-effective implementation for participating states.
“By joining the IDDHL Compact, Louisiana demonstrates its commitment to meeting the needs of providers while protecting public health,” Jee said. “We anticipate other states will follow Louisiana’s lead, creating a nationwide network that benefits both dental professionals and patients.”
As of July 2025, the IDDHL Compact has been introduced in nine states, the AADB said. It is under consideration in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and has passed one or more legislative chambers in Oklahoma and Mississippi.
Additional information about the IDDHL compact is available at aadbcompact.org/compact-map.
Separately, the AADB recently appointed Kimber Cobb, RDH, BS, as its executive director. Cobb previously served as interim executive director and has played a role in advancing the IDDHL Compact.
DDH Compact Enacted in 12 States
Meanwhile, another compact, the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (DDH Compact), developed through a partnership between the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Council of State Governments (CSG), and other supporting organizations, is being implemented. The DDH Compact, the ADHA said, eliminates the need for additional clinical examinations for licensure across state lines.
According to the ADHA, 12 states have enacted the DDH Compact to date. When the seventh state joined, the compact officially became active, triggering the formation of a commission to oversee its operations. That commission has since met multiple times, and the process of enabling individual hygienists and dentists to apply for compact privileges is underway, the ADHA said.
The DDH Compact’s progress and information can be found at ddhcompact.org.
“The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact represents a significant step forward in expanding licensure mobility, supporting workforce needs, and improving access to care especially in underserved communities. Its momentum reflects a shared commitment to public protection and professional excellence,” said JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA, director, education, research & advocacy at the ADHA.
Gurenlian also noted that while Louisiana has enacted the AADB-supported IDDHL Compact, it still requires passage in four additional states before it becomes active and a commission can be formed. By contrast, the DDH Compact has already met that threshold and continues to see progress in additional states considering legislation in 2025.
“ADHA has been proud to partner with the Department of Defense, Council of State Governments, ADA, ADSO, and Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure, among others, for over 6 years to bring this important legislation to fruition,” Gurenlian said.
According to the ADHA, because states can only participate in one licensure compact, hygienists in states that enact the IDDHL Compact will not be eligible for privileges under the DDH Compact. The ADHA states that it is working to educate legislators in each state on the differences between the two initiatives and why the ADHA supports the DDH Compact for the dental hygiene profession.
A recorded webinar titled “Compact Comparisons: Which is Best for Hygienists?” was released by the ADHA on June 11, 2025, and is available to view online by clicking here.
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