Lawmakers in Texas have filed a bill to enter the state into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, according to a Jan. 16 report from The Texas Tribune.
HB 1803 authorizes Texas to join the interstate compact. The compact increases license portability across member states for dentists and hygienists, removing the need for dental professionals to gain a license in each individual state.
The compact was activated in April after Maine became the seventh state to enter. Currently, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin are that 10 member states of the compact
There are 10 additional states with legislation pending to join the compact, according to data from The Council of State Governments.
The commission is expected to start accepting applications for interstate licenses in fall 2025.