National Dental Association Supports Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact - 10 to 1 Public Relations
Back To The American Association of Dental Boards Press Room

National Dental Association Supports Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 13, 2025) – The National Dental Association (NDA), the largest organization of minority dental professionals in the United States, announces its support of the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact (IDDHLC), which streamlines dental licensing across state lines while maintaining high standards of patient care.

At its July meeting in Kansas City, the NDA House of Delegates voted to support the IDDHLC Compact, recognizing the importance of hands skill examination to validate competency, allowing portability while protecting patients.

“The NDA is proud to support the IDDHLC developed by AADB,” said Dr. Cheryle Baptiste Hill, President of the NDA. “This model upholds the principles of patient protection, professional competency and State Dental Board authority while advancing responsible licensure portability to improve access to care nationwide.”

The IDDHLC, developed by the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB), creates an expedited pathway for dentists and dental hygienists to obtain licenses in multiple states. The compact maintains rigorous standards, including graduation from Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-approved schools and passage of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) licensure examination.

“The vote of support from the National Dental Association represents a significant milestone for the IDDHL Compact,” said Arthur Chen-Shu Jee, DMD, President of AADB. “The NDA’s support validates our approach to balancing professional mobility with patient safety, and we look forward to working together to improve access to quality dental care across the nation.”

The NDA’s support comes as the IDDHLC gains momentum nationwide. Louisiana recently became the first state to join the compact, with several other states making substantial progress in their legislative processes.

“There is a fine balance between public protection and license portability. Equally important is that Dental Boards have full and direct jurisdiction over healthcare providers in their specific State of practice. The Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact fulfills these requirements,” said Dr. Leslie Grant, NDA Past President and current Chair of the Legislative Committee.

Key benefits of the IDDHLC that align with the NDA’s mission include:

  • Enhanced professional mobility for dentists and dental hygienists
  • Maintain high standards of patient safety through uniform competency requirements
  • Improved access to dental care in underserved communities
  • Cost-effective implementation for participating states
  • Preserved state authority over dental licensing

The NDA joins a growing coalition of dental organizations supporting the IDDHLC as the preferred model for interstate dental licensure portability.

For more information about the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, visit aadbcompact.org.

What is the IDDHLC?
The Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact streamlines dental licensing across state lines while maintaining high standards of patient care. AADB developed this compact to create an expedited pathway for dentists and dental hygienists to obtain licenses in multiple states.

Who supports the dental compact?
The National Dental Association supports the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact. NDA represents the largest organization of minority dental professionals in the United States and voted to support the IDDHLC at its July meeting in Kansas City.

What are NDA's requirements for licensing?
The IDDHLC maintains rigorous standards, including graduation from Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-approved schools and passage of the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) licensure examination. The compact recognizes the importance of hands skill examination to validate competency.

Which states joined the compact?
Louisiana became the first state to join the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact. Several other states are making substantial progress in their legislative processes to join AADB’s compact.

What is the National Dental Association?
The National Dental Association represents the largest organization of minority dental professionals in the United States. NDA supports initiatives that improve access to quality dental care while maintaining professional standards.

Who leads the NDA?
Dr. Cheryle Baptiste Hill serves as President of the National Dental Association. Dr. Leslie Grant is the NDA Past President and current Chair of the Legislative Committee.

What benefits does the compact provide?
The IDDHLC enhances professional mobility for dentists and dental hygienists while maintaining high patient safety standards through uniform competency requirements. AADB designed the compact to improve access to dental care in underserved communities and provide cost-effective implementation for participating states.

How does licensing portability work?
The Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact creates an expedited pathway for dentists and dental hygienists to obtain licenses in multiple states. The compact allows portability while protecting patients through rigorous standards and state board authority.