National Dental Association votes to support the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact

Leading dental organization supports initiative to improve professional mobility and access to careThe National Dental Association (NDA) strongly opposes recent comments made by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo regarding community water fluoridation (CWF).

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September X, 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.
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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.
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"The NDA has long advocated for policies that expand access to quality oral healthcare while upholding the highest professional standards," said Dr. Joshua Tyson, NDA Speaker of the House of Delegates. "This compact achieves both goals by facilitating professional mobility while ensuring that all practitioners meet uniform competency requirements that protect public health and safety."
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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.
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"The endorsement 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."
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The NDA's endorsement 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.
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"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 Licensing Compact fulfills these requirements," said Dr. Leslie Grant, Past President and current NDA 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 hygienistsMaintain high standards of patient safety through uniform competency requirementsImproved access to dental care in underserved communitiesCost-effective implementation for participating statesPreserved 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.

About the National Dental AssociationThe NDA is the largest dental organization representing dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and dental assistants of African descent, both nationally and internationally. Founded in 1913, the NDA is committed to promoting diversity within the dental profession and addressing health disparities through education, advocacy, and service.

About the American Association of Dental Boards (AADB)The American Association of Dental Boards, founded in 1883, is a national organization that promotes high standards in dental education, licensure, and regulation. AADB membership includes state dental boards, specialty boards, and dental educators from across the United States and its territories.

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