I've always been a big fan of licensure by credentials. Basically, if you have a license in one state, have a clean practice record, and want to move to another area, why do you need another competency exam? I still remember when I sat for my clinical board exam. There was an oral surgeon in my group who had been practicing for 20 years. He wanted to move to another state and was doing general dentistry on a competency exam. He hadn't done what the exam required since he had graduated dental school. That seemed ridiculous to me at the time... and it still does.
That's why I'm happy to see the Interstate Dental & Dental Hygiene Compact gaining serious traction. They've just announced another organization that is supporting the cause. This time it is the National Dental Association. I think this groundswell of support is good thing for the profession. It may very well help bring dental professionals to areas where the are low numbers of practitioners and that will benefit patients as well as the lives of the professionals who treat them.
Leading dental organization supports initiative to improve professional mobility and access to care
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.
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.
The NDA is proud to support the IDDHLC developed by AADB, said Dr. Cheryle Baptiste Hill, President of the NDA. "This model upholds the principles of patient protection, professional competency and State Dental Board authority while advancing responsible licensure portability to improve access to care nationwide."
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.
"The vote of support 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."
The NDA's support 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.
"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 Licensure Compact fulfills these requirements," said Dr. Leslie Grant, NDA Past President and current 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 hygienists
- Maintain high standards of patient safety through uniform competency requirements
- Improved access to dental care in underserved communities
- Cost-effective implementation for participating states
- Preserved 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 Association
The 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment