Establishes provisions relating to licensure of dentists and dental hygienists, including license reciprocity and the Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact
By enacting SB778, Missouri would join a collaborative group of states aimed at promoting consistency in dental practice regulations. This compact, if adopted, will enhance the ability of states to regulate the practice of dentistry effectively while ensuring that licensed professionals can operate across state borders with greater ease. Furthermore, the compact is designed to protect public health and safety while improving healthcare access, particularly in rural or underserved areas where dental professionals may be in short supply.
Senate Bill 778, introduced by Senator Eslinger, seeks to create a Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact which will facilitate the interstate practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. Specifically, the bill aims to provide licensed dentists and dental hygienists from participating states with the ability to practice in other participating states without going through extensive licensing requirements. This is intended to improve public access to dental services and address workforce shortages by streamlining licensure processes across state lines.
There are potential points of contention regarding this bill, particularly around the extent of regulation and control each state retains over dental practices conducted within their borders. Critics may argue that it could dilute local standards and enforcement mechanisms if participating states are viewed as yielding authority to the compact. Additionally, ensuring that all participating states uphold equivalent professional standards and accountability measures could present challenges, especially pertaining to licensure revocation and discipline enforcement across state lines.