The proposed bill establishes the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact in New Jersey, allowing licensed dentists and dental hygienists from participating states to practice in other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. This initiative aims to improve public access to dental services, address workforce shortages, and streamline the licensing process while ensuring that each state retains its regulatory authority over dental practices. Key features of the compact include the creation of a compact privilege for qualified practitioners, the sharing of licensure and disciplinary information among states, and provisions to assist military members and their spouses in obtaining practice privileges without fees.

The bill also outlines the requirements for states to join the compact, such as implementing criminal background checks and accepting national board examinations. It establishes a commission composed of representatives from participating states to oversee the compact's administration, including rulemaking, financial management, and maintaining a coordinated database of licensure and adverse action information. The commission will have the authority to levy fees for compact privileges and ensure compliance with the compact's provisions, with the compact taking effect immediately upon enactment and requiring at least seven states to adopt it for it to be operational.