District of Columbia2025Active

B26-0773

Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene License Act of 2026

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 4:28 AM

In one sentence

This bill authorizes Washington, D.C. to join a national agreement that allows dentists and dental hygienists with clean records in their home state to get faster licenses in other member states while sharing safety information.

Authorizes the Mayor to enter the District of Columbia into the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact.
Establishes an Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Compact Licensure Commission operated by state dental board members, administrators, and staff.
Allows for expedited licensure (Compact License Privilege) in member states other than a licensee's home state.
Requires the sharing of information among compact member states regarding ongoing investigations, non-public complaints, and disciplinary actions against licensees.
Clarifies that the District retains the right to impose adverse action on a licensee as either their home state or a practicing state.

Dentists who hold an unrestricted license in one member state and meet specific education, exam, and background check requirements.
Dental hygienists who have graduated from accredited schools, passed required exams, and possess an unrestricted license with no criminal convictions or disciplinary actions (except for fee payments or continuing education failures).
Active-duty military personnel in the uniformed services of the United States, including National Guard and Reserves.
Legal spouses of active-duty military members who are recognized as dependents by their unit.

The bill is currently under Council review in the Committee on Health and has not yet become law.
The official text provided does not state when this act will take effect if passed.
The list of other states that have already joined or might join the compact is not included in this document.

Plain language

Compact License Privilege: An expedited license that allows a dentist or hygienist to practice in a member state other than their home state without obtaining a full new license from scratch.
Home State: The specific state where the licensee holds their primary, unrestricted dental or hygiene license.
Adverse Action: An order issued by a board that disciplines a licensee, including suspension, limiting, or revocation of a license; imposition of fees and sanctions; or temporary emergency orders.
Clearinghouse: A central database administered by the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) that stores records of prior adverse actions, orders, and denials of licensure.

Official record

Source attached

Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene License Act of 2026

Official activity