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HD 3459

An Act relative to the dental licensure compact in Massachusetts

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ted Philips

Creates a multi-state licensure compact for dentists and dental hygienists to streamline portability, share adverse actions, and maintain home-state regulation.

Senate concurred
0
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Bill Summary · HD 3459

Summary: An Act relative to the dental licensure compact in Massachusetts (HD 3459)

Overview

HD 3459 would add a new Massachusetts chapter (Chapter 112B) to create the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact. The compact aims to expedite licensure portability for dental professionals and expand access to dental care by coordinating licensure standards and information sharing among member states, while preserving each state’s regulatory authority and public protection responsibilities. The bill was introduced February 27, 2025, referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and the Senate has concurred with the House version.

Core purpose and effects

  • Establishes a multi-state compact to streamline licensure for dentists and dental hygienists across participating states.
  • Creates a framework in which licensure boards cooperate, share information (including adverse actions), and maintain public safety standards.
  • Enables “Compact Licenses” or privileges allowing dental professionals to practice in member states without full, duplicative licensure processes, while remaining under home-state oversight for discipline.
  • Improves licensure portability (including faster processes for relocation or military-related moves) and reduces duplicative document requests and fees.

Key provisions and mechanisms

  • Chapter 112B, Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, including:
    • Expedited licensure portability: licensees can practice in other member states more readily.
    • Home state sovereignty: each state retains authority to regulate dental practice within its borders and to impose adverse actions.
    • Uniform licensure standard: promotion of a common standard, anchored by the uniform licensure examination (ADEX) that tests psychomotor and cognitive skills and is accepted by all licensing jurisdictions.
    • Central documentation: licensees maintain documentation in one location to facilitate license transfers across states.
    • Military provisions: no compact fees for active-duty military members or their spouses; supports faster licensure processes for military relocations.
    • Information sharing: member states share investigations and adverse-action information through a clearinghouse managed by the commission or its successor.
    • Public protection: adverse actions and relevant discipline are recognized and shared among member boards.
  • Definitions establish key terms and bodies involved, including:
    • AADB (American Association of Dental Boards) and CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation).
    • The Commission and its Commissioners (two per Member State Dental Board).
    • Adverse Action, Clearinghouse, and Licensure Privileges (Compact License Privilege).
    • Roles of a supporting Attorneys’ Committee and other procedural elements for joint investigations and governance.

Who is affected

  • Dental professionals (dentists and dental hygienists) seeking licensure or practice across multiple states.
  • Massachusetts dental boards and state agencies, which would participate in the compact and share information.
  • Military service members and spouses, who receive streamlined processes and fee relief under the compact.
  • Consumers/public, who may benefit from expanded access to dental care and consistent regulatory standards across member states.

Timelines and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
  • Status: Senate concurred (as of the provided information), with ongoing deliberation in the 2025-2026 session.

Notes

  • The provided text includes Section 1 (Purpose) and Section 2 (Definitions) and outlines broad structural elements; the full bill contains additional sections detailing governance, admission criteria, investigations, and enforcement. Final language may include further provisions and transitional timelines.

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

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