CMDL: Modernizing Dental Licensure

Advancing patient safety, access to care and professional mobility by improving the dental licensure process.

Female Dentist in Clinic

CMDL’s Annual Webinar – Licensure Reforms Taking Shape – A Progress Report from the Coalition

As the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure celebrates its 5th Anniversary, we invite you to join us for the annual webinar on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CT.

Exciting News: The DDH Compact is now active!

10th State Enacts DDH Compact!

On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Governor Mike DeWine signed SB 40, making Ohio the tenth state to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist (DDH) Compact. 

The ten states include Iowa, Washington, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Colorado, and Ohio.

Please view the press release announcement on behalf of the American Dental Association (ADA).

 

What is the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure (CMDL)?

CMDL is a coalition of 130 national and state organizations, institutions and programs representing dentistry, dental education, dental specialties, dental hygiene and nonprofit groups working to improve public access to oral health care.

Since its founding in 2018, the Coalition has focused on two essential goals:

  • To eliminate single-encounter, procedure-based patient examinations, replacing them with clinical assessments that have stronger validity and reliability evidence.
  • To increase licensure portability to allow for professional mobility and improved access to care.

Coalition founders based these objectives on findings shared by the Task Force on Assessment of Readiness to Practice (TARP). These recommendations continue to guide the Coalition’s work as we unite to modernize licensure practices for dentists and dental hygienists.

Read the TARP report

Add your voice to the organizations working for modern licensure in dentistry and dental hygiene.
Explore perspectives on dental licensure, including progress made in specific states.
American Dental Hygienists’ Association leaders talk with Coalition Chair Dr. Joseph Crowley.
US Map
Licensure information map

View general licensure requirements for your state, along with detailed requirements for specific dental credentials. 

Learn more about joining the Coalition

Who can join the Coalition?

Organizations, agencies and education programs that support dental licensure reform are invited to join the Coalition as Partners. Current Partners include national organizations, dental schools, dental hygiene programs, state dental associations, state dental hygiene associations and specialty dental associations.

See current Partners

Is there a financial commitment to join the Coalition?

There is no cost to join the Coalition. However, member organizations are responsible for covering travel costs for their own representatives to in-person Coalition meetings.

How can my organization join the Coalition?

Just follow the link below to begin your application. Once your completed application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by our Executive Committee. You will receive an email response within three weeks.

Apply now

Catch up on our latest news coverage and get details on the next Coalition meeting.
Questions? Contact the Coalition at info@dentallicensure.org or call 800.232.1352.