A push for Massachusetts to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact is igniting a debate among healthcare providers regarding the safety and effectiveness of dental care in the state.
The compact aims to streamline licensing procedures for dentists and hygienists, allowing them to practice across state lines without the burden of maintaining multiple licenses.
This initiative has already gained traction, with a dozen states currently participating.
Amanda Berthiaume, a dental hygienist and assistant professor at Springfield Technical Community College, presented the compact to the Public Health Committee on Monday morning, highlighting its careful development in collaboration with several respected organizations, including the Council of State Governments and the American Dental Association.
Berthiaume criticized competing legislation that would mandate passing a specific licensure exam established by the American Board of Dental Examiners, known as the ADEX exam.
She claimed this competing legislation benefits organizations whose revenue relies on administering proprietary examinations.
Rep. Bud Williams and Sen. John Cronin have brought forth this compact through proposed legislation H 2563 / S 1494.
In contrast, the competing bills from Rep. Ted Philips and Sen. Paul Mark (H 455 / S 257) are pending a hearing with the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Pat Connolly-Atkins, a dental hygienist and former secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Dental Examiners, vehemently opposed the compact during the hearing, labeling it a potential danger to public safety.
She emphasized the necessity of thorough assessments to evaluate the clinical skills crucial for performing complex dental procedures.
Connolly-Atkins argued that comprehensive hand skills assessments, such as those provided by the ADEX exam, are indispensable, as proficiency cannot be effectively gauged through theoretical tests alone.
Responding to these safety concerns, Berthiaume asserted that each state participating in the compact mandates hand skill assessments alongside written exams.
However, she criticized the traditional mannequin-based assessments, calling them inadequate for truly reflecting a provider’s skills.
Dr. Mina Paul, dental director at NeighborHealth and former chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry, raised alarms about the governance of the proposed compact.
She expressed worries about an unaccountable multistate commission that would impose rules on Massachusetts licensees, potentially undermining the authority of state legislators as well as the regulation by the board.
Similar apprehensions have seen legal challenges in states like Virginia. A recent lawsuit from Virginia dentists questioned the compact, arguing that it granted state power to a non-state entity.
Despite these arguments, a judge dismissed the Virginia case on December 5, and the lawsuit is now under appeal.
The compact continues to stir dialogue about balancing efficient dental practice with ensuring patient safety.
As Massachusetts deliberates potential participation in the compact, both proponents and opponents share their perspectives on a matter with significant implications for the state’s dental landscape.
image source from：masslive
