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Bill

HB 530

Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact; criminal background check.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadarius Clark and 3 co-sponsors

Creates interstate dental compact allowing dentists/hygienists to practice across states with unified licensing while requiring standardized criminal background checks for public safety.

Reported from Health and Human Services and referred to Appropriations (22-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 530

Legislative bill overview

HB 530 establishes a multi-state compact allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice across participating states under a single license, while implementing standardized criminal background check requirements for licensure. The bill streamlines interstate mobility for dental professionals while maintaining consistent criminal screening standards across jurisdictions.

Why is this important

This compact addresses workforce shortages in underserved areas by allowing licensed dental professionals to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. It reduces barriers to care access in regions with dental professional gaps while ensuring public safety through uniform background screening protocols.

Potential points of contention

  • Interstate regulatory authority: Critics may question whether states are ceding too much licensing authority to a compact rather than maintaining independent state oversight of dental professionals practicing within their borders
  • Criminal background standards: Disagreement over what criminal convictions should disqualify practitioners, as different states have varying definitions of offenses relevant to patient safety and professional fitness
  • Administrative costs and burden: Implementation requires establishing new interstate mechanisms and coordination, raising questions about whether costs to states and licensing boards are justified by the benefits

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

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