Can I use the dental compact now?

No. Thirteen states have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but CSG says compact privileges are not yet being issued, and no launch date is set. Practicing in another state takes that state’s license, by credentials where it offers one.

Why is the dental compact taking so long?

Its Commission has met since 2024, but its data system is not funded and its core rules on clinical assessment and fees are not final. CSG’s own estimate of 18 to 24 months after activation has passed.

Will the compact replace sedation permits?

No. The compact’s own FAQ says sedation permits and hygienist local anesthesia permits stay with each state, so they will still be separate applications.

Which big states are in the dental compact?

Only Ohio, of California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Georgia. Pennsylvania has a bill pending; the others have none.

The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact: Member States and Status

The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact will let a dentist or hygienist licensed in their home state practice in another member state on a privilege to practice, instead of a second license. It became active when the seventh state joined in April 2024.

It has not started. 13 states have enacted it, but the Commission has no funded data system and no final rules, and no state issues privileges. Until it does, practicing in another state takes that state’s license, by credentials where the state offers it, and sedation permits stay separate either way.

Member states

Bills pending

Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.

Compact privilege or state license?

	Compact privilege	State license
Available today	No: no state issues privileges yet	Yes, in every state that licenses or certifies
Where	Only member states, once they issue	Any state
Who qualifies	Dentists and hygienists licensed in a member home state; not foreign-trained dentists	Each state sets its own rules
Sedation and hygienist anesthesia	Still a separate permit in each state	A separate permit in each state
Who applies	You, personally, once the Commission opens applications	You, with a prepared package
Cost	Not set yet: no fee rule is adopted	The board’s application, exam and background-check fees

What to do in the meantime

License by credentials where you qualify, plan permits alongside each license, and keep every renewal on one calendar. Our readiness review checks which states accept your exam and practice history. Readiness review and license prices.

Questions

Can I use the dental compact now?: No. Thirteen states have enacted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, but CSG says compact privileges are not yet being issued, and no launch date is set. Practicing in another state takes that state’s license, by credentials where it offers one.
Why is the dental compact taking so long?: Its Commission has met since 2024, but its data system is not funded and its core rules on clinical assessment and fees are not final. CSG’s own estimate of 18 to 24 months after activation has passed.
Will the compact replace sedation permits?: No. The compact’s own FAQ says sedation permits and hygienist local anesthesia permits stay with each state, so they will still be separate applications.
Which big states are in the dental compact?: Only Ohio, of California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Georgia. Pennsylvania has a bill pending; the others have none.

Sources: Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, compact map. Not affiliated with the Commission, CSG, the ADA or the ADHA.

The Dental Compact

Member states

Bills pending

Compact privilege or state license?

What to do in the meantime

Questions

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