A bill was recently introduced to enter Oregon into the interstate Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, The Lund Report reported Jan. 16.
Six notes:
1. The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact allows licensed dentists and dental hygienists to practice across all states participating in the compact with one license.
2. House Bill 2676 was introduced earlier this month to enter the state into the compact.
3. The compact currently includes 10 other states. Legislation is pending in nine other states, according to the compact's website.
4. Thirty-three of the state’s 36 counties are federally designated as dental professional shortage areas.
5. Barry Taylor, DMD, executive director of the Oregon Dental Association, told The Lund Report that the organization supports the bill.
6. Stephen Prisby, executive director of the Oregon Board of Dentistry, told The Lund Report that the board did not have a position on the bill, but that participation in the compact would decrease the board's revenue and reduce oversight.