NE LB148

Nebraska adopts the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists licensed in participating states to obtain a "Compact Privilege" to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each state

Compact creates a joint interstate commission with one commissioner per participating state to administer the agreement, establish rules, maintain a data system for licensure and disciplinary information, and resolve disputes

Dentist license applicants must now pass a standardized national simulation-based or manikin-based clinical competency examination rather than the Central Regional Dental Testing Service practical exam

Reciprocity requirements reduced from three years of active practice (with one year in the preceding three years) to one year of active practice for dentists seeking licensure based on out-of-state credentials

Dental hygienists added to the list of health care professions requiring criminal background checks with FBI fingerprint submission for initial licensure, effective January 1, 2026