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Bill

Bill

A 1896

Adopts Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 9 co-sponsors

New Jersey adopts an interstate compact allowing dentists and hygienists to practice across multiple member states with a single multistate license, increasing professional mobility and potential care access.

Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · A 1896

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 1896 adopts the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, an interstate agreement that allows licensed dentists and dental hygienists to practice across state lines within member states using a single multistate license. This compact creates a unified licensing framework while maintaining state regulatory oversight and consumer protections.

Why is this important

The compact addresses workforce mobility and access to dental care, particularly in underserved areas and bordering states. It reduces licensing barriers that can delay patient care and increase administrative costs for dental professionals, while potentially expanding treatment capacity during public health emergencies or in areas with provider shortages.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory consistency concerns: Critics may worry that streamlined multistate licensing could lower standards if states have varying consumer protection requirements, complaint procedures, or continuing education standards
  • Local labor market impact: Dental professionals and industry groups may fear increased out-of-state competition could affect local employment and wage structures in New Jersey
  • Enforcement and accountability: Questions about how disciplinary actions and license revocations are coordinated across member states and whether patients have clear recourse for complaints involving out-of-state practitioners

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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