Senate Passes Roegner Bill Expanding Opportunities for Dentists

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate today unanimously passed Senate Bill 40, sponsored by State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), which would join Ohio to the “Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensure Compact.” The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact is an agreement between member states aiming The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact is an agreement between member states to recognize a license issued by another compact member state via “compact privilege.”

Allowing multi-state licensure for dentists and dental hygienists who may wish to practice in multiple states expands economic mobility for these providers and increases access to care for those seeking oral healthcare services.

"State compacts are a great way to help people with occupational licenses practice and use their skills in other states without having to get relicensed for the same profession multiple times,” said Senator Roegner. “Ohio joining the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact is a strong incentive for qualified professionals to come to the Buckeye State, and also ensures quality care for the patients they serve."

This legislation was supported by the Department of Defense, the Ohio Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Hygienists Association, Delta Dental, and Oral Health Ohio. There were no opponents.

Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, and New Jersey have also introduced legislation to join the compact. Washington, Iowa, and Tennessee have already enacted the legislation. The Compact will be active when 7 states enact enabling legislation. To learn more about Senate Bill 40, click here.