Assembly hears compact to ease cross‑state practice for dentists, hygienists; Department of Defense endorses benefit for military families

CARSON CITY — The Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee on March 21 heard Assembly Bill 143, a proposal to enact the Dentist and Dental Hygienist (DDH) licensure compact in Nevada. The compact allows qualified dentists and dental hygienists who hold an unencumbered license in a compact member state to obtain a "compact privilege" to practice in other member states without applying for a separate license.

Representatives of the compact commission and the Council of State Governments (CSG) described the compact as a reciprocity mechanism with built‑in regulatory safeguards. Chris Anderson, representing dental support organizations, told the committee the compact would help bring licensed clinicians into Nevada’s shortages areas; Jessica Thomas of CSG explained the compact requires participants to meet uniform education and exam criteria, to maintain an unencumbered license, and to comply with the host state’s laws while practicing under a compact privilege. Kelli Mae Douglas of the U.S. Department of Defense testified the compact helps military spouses and service members, noting the short assignments and frequent relocations that make relicensure a barrier to keeping spouses in the workforce.

The compact commission would create a shared interstate data system for licensure and disciplinary information; Nevada’s board would retain authority to take action against clinicians practicing in the state under the compact privilege. Supporters said the compact has been enacted in 10 states and that 16 more states had pending legislation at the time of the hearing. CSG estimated the administrative and software costs can be modest and that member states may charge a compact privilege fee that can offset commission costs; the testimony said the commission has generally avoided charging member‑state fees to date.

The Vegas Chamber, Nevada Dental Hygienists Association and veterans' groups submitted written or oral support. No organized opposition appeared at the hearing and committee members had mainly clarifying questions about implementation timelines and required software connections. Sponsors estimated 18–24 months for full operational readiness after enactment and emphasized the compact’s reciprocity and public‑safety provisions.

The committee closed the hearing without a final vote. If Nevada enacts AB 143, the state would join the multistate compact and the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners would participate in the compact commission and data sharing required by the compact.