Support for dental licensure compact
The National Dental Association (NDA) has announced its formal support for the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact (IDDHLC), an initiative designed to facilitate professional mobility for dentists and hygienists across state lines while maintaining consistent competency standards. The NDA’s legislative body approved the endorsement earlier this year, aligning itself with an emerging trend among dental groups and states. Under the compact, dental professionals who graduate from accredited programs and pass the relevant national examination would be eligible to practice in participating states without obtaining additional licenses. The NDA cites benefits such as increased access to care—especially in underserved areas—cost‐effective implementation, uniform standards protecting patient safety, and preservation of states’ regulatory authority.