Appropriations panel approves dental licensure compact amendment after split testimony
Summary
The committee adopted a strike-everything amendment to SB 14-48 to implement the dentist/dental hygienist interstate licensure compact and gave the amended bill a due-pass recommendation after hearings with dental regulators, providers and associations.
The House Appropriations Committee adopted a Livingston strike-everything amendment to Senate Bill 14-48 on March 26 and recommended the amended bill for due pass. The amended measure would adopt the interstate Dental and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing participating states to issue compact privileges so licensed dentists and hygienists in one member state may practice in other member states without duplicative licensure.
Public testimony was divided. The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners’ executive director, Ryan Edmonson, opposed the measure on behalf of the board and raised concerns about cost, rule-making authority and potential fee increases tied to the compact infrastructure. He said Arizona already has mechanisms that facilitate licensing recognition and questioned unfunded costs that could fall to the state licensing board. The Arizona Dental Association said it was neutral, noting the national American Dental Association supports the compact but that some Arizona members had concerns.
Dental hygienists and the Arizona Dental Hygienists Association testified in support, saying the compact improves licensure portability for providers who practice across state lines, reduces duplicative continuing-education burdens and would help recruitment and retention, particularly after COVID-related workforce losses.
Committee members debated delegation of rulemaking to a compact commission and the scope of the compact’s disciplinary and reciprocal enforcement provisions. The committee recorded 11 yeses, 5 noes and 1 present vote; the amended SB 14-48 received a due-pass recommendation.
