S 702 and A 1896 are New Jersey’s bills regarding the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (DDH Compact). As you may know, the DDH Compact is a comprehensive, interstate licensure agreement that allows licensed dentists and dental hygienists to practice in all participating states without needing to obtain individual licenses in each one. The compact has already been enacted in 11 states, with pending legislation in 15 others.

The DDH Compact enhances licensure portability for practitioners while enabling state regulatory boards to better protect consumers through improved sharing of licensure information. Furthermore, it benefits the profession by increasing access to care for patients, preserving and strengthening the current state licensure system, and, most importantly, ensuring that each member state retains the authority to regulate the profession.

The ADHA fully supports DDH Compact legislation, and we are asking our members to reach out to their legislators to express their support. S 702 was referred to the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee on January 9, 2024, where it is currently pending consideration. A 1896 was reported out of the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee on May 13, 2024, and is on its second reading. 

A 1896 and S 702 are critical bills that have been awaiting further action since last year, and it’s crucial that we keep them in the spotlight. We need your help to ensure these bills don’t get forgotten or lost in the shuffle. Take action by reaching out to your legislators and urging them to progress on these important bills. Your support can help push these bills back into the conversation and bring us closer to improving access to care and addressing workforce challenges in New Jersey.

New Jersey has a chance to expand access to quality dental care and strengthen our workforce—but we need your voice to make it happen! Legislators need to hear directly from dental hygienists like you who understand how this bill will benefit our profession and our patients.

Let’s ensure New Jersey stays at the forefront of advancing oral health care—take action today!

-NJ DHA & ADHA Leaders