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Missouri committee hears dentist/dental‑hygienist compact; proponents cite workforce gains, opponents warn of governance risks
Summary
Representative John Hugan told the committee HB1847 would let Missouri join a 12‑state dental compact to improve license portability for dentists and hygienists and ease rural shortages; supporters emphasized cost savings and reporting of disciplinary actions, while opponents urged caution over commission powers and testing standards.
Representative John Hugan presented House Bill 18‑47, which would authorize Missouri to join an interstate compact for dentists and dental hygienists intended to reduce duplicative licensing costs and increase portability for practitioners. "Compacts, by design, increase access to health care," Hugan said, listing states already participating and describing the compact as preserving Missouri’s licensing requirements and disciplinary authority.
Supporters — including the Missouri Dental Hygienist Association, the Missouri Dental Association and organizations representing dental support entities — said compacts reduce administrative costs and can ease rural workforce shortages. Diane Baumkamp of the Missouri Dental Hygienist Association said compact privileges maintain continuing‑education and state law requirements while allowing portability.
Opponents raised governance and patient‑safety concerns. Alex Tuttle of the American Association of Dental Boards recommended an alternative compact that preserves hands‑on testing standards and limits the compact commission’s ability to levy fees against participating states. Lisa Pinette testified that compacts can cede significant rulemaking authority to a commission and questioned whether Congress’ consent under the Compact Clause is required.
Proponents replied that compacts have precedent across professions, that disciplinary actions are reportable among member states and that Missouri would continue to collect state license fees. Chris Ropey, representing dental support organizations, said the compact uses nationally recognized exams and that the biggest savings for practitioners is avoiding expensive duplicative testing.
Committee members asked for evidence that compacts improve rural access; proponents said they had not seen comprehensive data but argued portability should help border and rural communities. The hearing closed without a vote; members and witnesses signaled continued negotiation about specifics including testing standards, commission authorities and membership mechanics.
