The Benefits of a DDH Compact G


reater licensure portability for dental professionals can benefit licensees, regulators, states and patients.


A Dentist and Dental Hygienist (DDH) Compact is an interstate occupational licen- sure compact, which is a legislatively enacted contract among states. A compact enables li- censed dentists and dental hygienists to prac- tice in all states participating in the compact, as opposed to obtaining an individual license in every state they wish to practice. There are multiple professions with interstate compacts including medical, nursing, advanced practice nurses, physical and occupational therapists.


The DDH Compact has been developed by the U.S. Department of Defense and the following: Council of State Governments, ADA, American Dental Education Associa- tion, American Dental Hygienists Associa- tion, American Student Dental Association, American Association of Dental Administra- tors, and current state members of dental boards. This group wrote model legislation to ensure consistency within the DDH Compact,


that states can adopt. Once seven states adopt the model language, they will be able to officially join. However, as of this writing, the authorization to practice with a compact has not yet been issued, awaiting that sev- enth state connection. Iowa, Washington and Tennessee have adopted the model language; six other states, including Missouri, plan to introduce legislation in 2024.


MDA is supportive of this language, which proposes a cost-effective way to enhance licensure portability while maintaining safety for the public and high standards for dental professionals. The MDA will support and collaborate with the Association of Dental Support Organizations in the 2024 legislative session to work to adopt this model legisla- tion in Missouri. MDA sees value in participat- ing in the compact because this much-needed portability lessens the limitations placed on the dental professional workforce.


For more details visit ddhcompacts.org.


You know firsthand the pain of insurance companies paying you less than your fee and then paying you via VIRTUAL CREDIT CARDS (or VCC) with processing fees that make your fee reimbursement even less. Last year we laid the groundwork for this legislation and will tackle it again in 2024 because your bottom dollar is at stake.


That’s our one-two punch for 2024 — in addition to monitoring budget items like Medicaid reimbursement rates and other legislation affecting the dental profession, like Dental Compacts. We’ll also continue workforce discussions and planning to help improve practice efficiency so you can get back to what’s important — seeing patients.


Hopefully you feel like that is a good agenda and that MDA is fighting for you, because we are. But advocacy is not a spec- tator sport. We need members to engage (and non-members to join the fight).


These are momentous times in the profes- sion. Working together has never been more important. Join us and encourage your colleagues to do so as we unite … for you and with you.


ISSUE 3 | FALL 2023 | focus 15


MDA 2024 Legislative Agenda


W


e want you to know the key issues we’re addressing on your behalf in 2024 — and why your


engagement is critical to our success for your dental profession. Our top two legis- lative priorities in 2024 are Medical Loss Ratio and Virtual Credit Cards.


MEDICAL LOSS RATIO (or MLR) refers to the federal requirement that health insur- ance companies spend a certain percentage of their premiums on patient care — not administrative costs or profit. However, dental insurance companies are not held to this same standard. Massachusetts recently passed groundbreaking dental MLR reform, and since then other states are doing the same; now, it’s time for Missouri to join in.


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