Mississippi has become the second state to join the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure (IDDHL) Compact, according to the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), marking another step in the effort to expand licensure mobility for dental professionals.
According to the association, the IDDHL Compact provides qualified dentists and dental hygienists a pathway to practice across state lines while preserving each state’s authority over licensing and discipline. The model also maintains safeguards intended to protect patients and uphold professional standards.
The move follows Louisiana’s adoption of the compact last year, making Mississippi the second participating state.
“This is definitely a win-win solution, both for the dental practitioners providing care and the public having access to care,” said Rhonda Harper, RDH, from Pass Christian, Mississippi. “I believe this will lead to significantly more dentists and dental hygienists coming to practice in our state because the IDDHL Compact allows for a more streamlined path to licensure, while still maintaining our state’s authority in the licensing process.”
According to the association, the compact is voluntary for participating professionals and sets uniform standards for eligibility. States can join at no cost, with operational expenses funded through fees paid by professionals seeking compact privileges. The system uses the AADB Repository to verify licensure records and share disciplinary information among member states.
“This momentum shows that more states see the value of an approach that protects the public while respecting the authority of each dental board,” said Dr. Clifford Feingold, chair of the AADB. “We are building on last year’s progress, and Mississippi’s action shows there is growing support for a licensure compact that keeps strong standards at the center.”
According to the association, participation requirements in the compact align with standards already used by most states, including graduation from a Commission on Dental Accreditation-approved school, criminal background checks and full reporting of disciplinary actions. Each participating state retains authority over licensing decisions and enforcement within its jurisdiction.
“This effort fits the larger mission of making licensure more workable without weakening the protections patients count on,” added Dr. Feingold. “As more states move forward, we can expand access to care, support workforce mobility and still let each state maintain its own public health standards.”
The measure is also under consideration in Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts, with legislation introduced in Kentucky, reflecting growing interest in the compact model.
More information is available at aadbcompact.org.
