The bill H.47 seeks to implement the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact in Vermont, facilitating the interstate practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. This new subchapter added to 26 V.S.A. chapter 12 allows licensed dentists and dental hygienists from participating states to practice in other states without additional licensing requirements. Key provisions include a pathway for obtaining a compact privilege, mandatory criminal background checks for applicants, and specific requirements for dental hygienists, such as graduating from accredited programs and reporting adverse actions from nonparticipating states. The bill also exempts active military members and their spouses from fees related to compact privileges.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Commission to oversee the Compact, detailing its powers, responsibilities, and operational framework. It mandates public notice for Commission meetings, allows for closed sessions under certain conditions, and requires transparency in rule adoption, including public hearings and the availability of meeting records. The bill also outlines procedures for dispute resolution among states, the process for states to withdraw from the Compact, and the binding nature of agreements made by the Commission. Importantly, it ensures that the Compact remains effective even if the number of participating states falls below seven and sets the effective date for the act as July 1, 2025.