COUNCILMEMBER FELDER INTRODUCES THE INTERSTATE DENTAL AND DENTAL HYGIENE LICENSE ACT OF 2026
COUNCILMEMBER FELDER INTRODUCES THE INTERSTATE DENTAL AND DENTAL HYGIENE LICENSE ACT OF 2026
New legislation would improve access to dental care in DC while strengthening the District’s oral healthcare workforce
Washington, DC – On Tuesday, Councilmember Felder introduced the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene License Act of 2026 (B26-0773), which would allow the District to join the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact. This would make it easier for dentists and dental hygienists to practice in the District and help more residents access oral health care.
DC currently has two designated dental Health Professional Shortage Areas, one being in Wards 7 and 8. Wards 7 and 8 also have some of the highest rates of Dental Emergency Department visits in the District. Joining the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact will help combat these coverage gaps.
“Every resident deserves timely access to quality dental care,” said Councilmember Felder. “This legislation helps strengthen our dental workforce so families can receive the care they need, when they need it. By making it easier for qualified providers to practice in the District, we’re expanding access to care while maintaining the high professional standards that protect patients.”
The legislation is expected to:
- Expand access to care by making it easier for dentists and hygienists to practice in underserved areas and by increasing the availability of providers
- Reduce licensing barriers
- Mitigate workforce shortages
- Support mobility for military families or those near state borders
- Increase regulatory coordination and patient safety
- Allow for information sharing across states and faster response capacity
Too many communities face challenges finding dental providers, leading to longer wait times for appointments and barriers to routine and preventive care. By joining the compact, the District would reduce unnecessary licensing barriers and make it easier for licensed dental professionals from other participating states to serve patients in Washington, D.C.
Under the compact, licensed dentists and dental hygienists would be able to practice in participating states through a streamlined authorization process rather than obtaining a separate license in each state. While making it easier for providers to practice across state lines, the legislation preserves the District’s authority to regulate professionals practicing in D.C., investigate complaints, and take disciplinary action when necessary.
The bill also strengthens coordination among participating states by allowing licensing boards to securely share disciplinary actions, investigative information, and other regulatory data to help protect patients and maintain high standards of care.
Read the full legislation here.
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