LA HB543

Louisiana enacts the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists with unrestricted licenses in member states to obtain expedited "compact license privileges" to practice across participating states without full re-licensure.

The compact becomes active when five states join and creates the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact Commission, governed by two voting commissioners from each member state's dental board, to administer the agreement.

Applicants must have graduated from CODA-approved schools, passed required national and clinical examinations (ADEX or equivalent regional board exams for those with 5+ years practice prior to January 1, 2024), hold no criminal convictions, and have no history of disciplinary action.

Active-duty military members and their spouses pay no compact fees and receive expedited processing; military training records may be transferred to the repository without charge.

Adverse actions taken against a licensee in any member state automatically trigger similar discipline in all other states where the licensee holds compact privileges, and investigatory materials are shared through a centralized clearinghouse administered by the American Association of Dental Boards.