The bill seeks to enhance public health by adopting the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, which allows licensed dentists and dental hygienists from Participating States to practice in other Participating States without facing duplicative licensing requirements. This initiative aims to improve access to dental services, address workforce shortages, and maintain state regulatory authority over dental practices. Key provisions include establishing a pathway for obtaining a Compact Privilege, sharing licensure and disciplinary information among states, and requiring criminal background checks for applicants under the Uniform Credentialing Act. The bill also modifies existing licensure and reciprocity requirements under the Dentistry Practice Act to align with the Compact's standards.

Additionally, the bill introduces a compact privilege for practicing dentistry in Nebraska, requiring applicants to pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination and a new standardized national examination for clinical skills. It reduces the active practice requirement for out-of-state licensees from three years to one year and assigns the Nebraska State Patrol the responsibility for conducting criminal background checks. The bill also outlines the governance structure for a Commission overseeing the Compact, detailing its financial management, rulemaking processes, and enforcement mechanisms. Notably, it includes provisions for emergency rule adoption and allows for revisions to correct errors in previously adopted rules. The effective date for certain sections is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 38-1117, 38-1120
Final Reading: 38-131, 38-1101, 38-1117, 38-1120
Slip Law: 38-131, 38-1101, 38-1117, 38-1120