SB540 Summary

• Enacts the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing Oklahoma to join an interstate agreement enabling dentists and dental hygienists licensed in one participating state to practice in other participating states via a "Compact Privilege" without obtaining separate state licenses.

• Establishes a multi-state Commission comprised of one Commissioner from each participating state to oversee the compact, maintain a data system tracking licensure and disciplinary information, and adopt rules governing practice.

• Sets participation requirements including criminal background checks, acceptance of national board examinations, accredited dental education programs, clinical assessments, and continuing professional development.

• Provides that participating states retain regulatory authority over practitioners using the compact privilege and can take adverse actions; allows remote states to impose jurisprudence requirements before granting privileges.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2025, and requires at least seven states to enact the compact before it takes effect; allows states to withdraw with 180 days' notice and requires continued recognition of existing compact privileges for at least 180 days after withdrawal.