District of ColumbiaDentists licensed abroad could qualify to work as D.C. hygienists
D.C.’s Board of Dentistry could license dentists trained and licensed abroad as dental hygienists, with the Mayor able to assess foreign licensing standards.
What it does
Dentists licensed abroad could qualify for D.C. dental hygienist licenses. The Mayor could assess whether their licensing standards meet D.C.’s training requirements.
Argument forAllowing dentists licensed abroad to qualify as hygienists could help dental offices fill openings and serve more patients.
Argument againstThe Mayor’s power to judge foreign licensing standards could leave some applicants unsure whether their qualifications will count.
More detail
The Board of Dentistry could grant dental hygienist licenses to dentists licensed outside the United States. This provision covers people licensed to practice dentistry in a jurisdiction outside the United States. Applicants would have to satisfy the Board of Dentistry. The Mayor could determine whether the foreign jurisdiction’s licensing standards meet D.C.’s dental hygiene training requirements. The act would take effect after mayoral approval or a Council veto override and a 30-day congressional review period.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 23Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0873 Published in the District of Columbia RegisterLatest
- Oct 20Referred to Committee on HealthMinor
- Oct 19B26-0873 Introduced by Councilmember Henderson at Office of the SecretaryIntroduced
Healthcare