Pennsylvania House Bill HB1127

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/3/25

Caption

Authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact; and providing for the form of the compact.

Impact

The bill is expected to streamline the process for dental professionals relocating or practicing out-of-state, which could ultimately enhance patient access to dental care. By enabling practitioners to provide services across state lines without redundant licensing, the bill supports enhanced service delivery in areas where dental health needs are significant. It also allows states to maintain their regulatory authority while increasing the efficiency of how dental practitioners can operate.

Summary

House Bill 1127 seeks to authorize the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to enter into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, a multistate agreement that facilitates the interstate practice of dental care. This compact allows licensed dentists and dental hygienists in participating states to practice in other states without having to undergo the full licensing process each time, provided they maintain a qualifying license in their home state. Such measures aim to improve public access to dental services, especially in the face of workforce shortages in the dental field.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB1127 appears to be cautiously optimistic. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step towards modernizing dental practice to meet contemporary healthcare challenges, while also addressing workforce challenges faced by the dental profession. Conversely, some concerns have been raised regarding whether such a compact might undermine local regulatory frameworks designed to protect public safety, highlighting the importance of maintaining strict standards for dental licensure and practice across states.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the extent to which the compact preserves state control over dental practice regulations and how it might impact patient safety. Some legislators fear that a uniform approach could dilute standards that have been devised to address specific state needs. Furthermore, the inclusion of provisions for military members and their spouses receiving discounted fees for compact privileges poses questions about equitable treatment across the dental workforce as a whole.