HB 1127 and SB 81 are Pennsylvania’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 eleven states, with pending legislation in fifteen 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 HB 1127 and SB 81, and we are asking our members to reach out to their legislators to express their support. Both bills have been referred to committee within their respective chambers. Pennsylvania 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 and dentists like you who understand how this bill will benefit our profession and our patients.

Let’s ensure Pennsylvania stays at the forefront of advancing oral health care—take action today by personalizing a pre-written message to your legislators and ensuring they hear directly from their constituents and the professionals who understand how this bill will impact oral health in the commonwealth.

- PDHA & ADHA Leaders