OklahomaOklahoma adopts dentist compact for cross-state practice
Starting November 1, 2026, Oklahoma joins a dentist compact that lets eligible dentists and hygienists seek permission to practice in other states that join.
What it does
Eligible dentists and dental hygienists may seek permission to practice in other participating states without getting a separate full license there. They must meet that state's requirements and pay applicable fees.
Participating states share license and investigation records, and each state can investigate or discipline practitioners who work there under the compact.
Active military members and their spouses do not pay the Commission's fee for permission to practice in another participating state. That state may still charge its own fee.
Argument forEligible dentists and hygienists could serve patients in other participating states without completing a separate full license application there.
Argument againstPractitioners may face added fees and reporting duties, while states can share investigation records and restrict their permission to practice.
More detail
The compact provides a path for dentists and dental hygienists to seek permission to practice in other participating states. The path is for dentists and dental hygienists with an unrestricted license in a participating state who meet the compact's requirements. Applicants must meet the compact's requirements, including any law test required by the state where they seek to practice, and pay applicable fees. The state where they practice may regulate their work and restrict or remove their permission. Oklahoma's law takes effect November 1, 2026. The compact takes effect when a seventh state enacts it.
Participating states share certain license and investigation records, and each state may regulate practitioners working there under the compact. These duties and powers apply to participating states and to licensees and applicants covered by the compact. States share required records with other participating states; some information may be kept from the public. A state may take disciplinary action under its own laws and procedures. These rules apply when the compact takes effect.
Active military members and their spouses do not pay the Commission's fee for a compact privilege. This applies to active military members and their spouses seeking permission to practice in another participating state. A state may still charge its own fee, but it may reduce or waive that fee for active military members and their spouses. This fee rule applies when the compact takes effect.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 13Approved by Governor Kevin Stitt 05/12/2026Became Law
- May 6Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- May 6Signed, returned to Senate
- May 6Enrolled, to House
- May 6Referred for enrollment
- May 6Signed, returned to Senate
- May 6Third Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 75 Nays: 13Major
- May 6Coauthored by Representative(s) West (Tammy)
- May 6General Order
- Apr 14Coauthored by Representative(s) Fetgatter
- Vote recorded Commerce And Economic Development Oversight Committee: Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 14CR; Do Pass Commerce and Economic Development Oversight CommitteeMinor
- Mar 31Policy recommendation to the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight committee; Do Pass BusinessMinor
- Vote recorded Business Committee: Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 30Referred to BusinessMinor
- Mar 30Second Reading referred to Commerce and Economic Development OversightMinor
- Feb 12First ReadingMinor
- Feb 12Engrossed to HousePassed House
- Feb 11Referred for engrossment
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 11Measure passed: Ayes: 35 Nays: 12Passed Senate
- Feb 11General Order, Considered
- Feb 4Coauthored by Senator Kirt
- Feb 2Coauthored by Senator Mann
- 2025
- Feb 26Placed on General Order
- Feb 24Reported Do Pass Health and Human Services committee; CR filedMinor
- Vote recorded Health & Human Services. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 4Second Reading referred to Health and Human ServicesMinor
- Feb 3Coauthored by Representative Harris (principal House author)
- Feb 3Authored by Senator Stanley
- Feb 3First ReadingIntroduced
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