Legislative Updates in Wisconsin
Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact
On January 31, 2024, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed The Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact (SB 692), one of five bills signed in Wisconsin to improve access to dental healthcare. Wisconsin becomes the fourth state to enact the DDH Compact. Twelve additional states have introduced the compact during the 2024 legislative sessions.
“The health and well-being of our state and our economy depend on the health and well-being of our communities, including ensuring that all Wisconsinites have access to quality, affordable healthcare. I am proud to sign these five bipartisan bills that will move us forward in our work to address shortages and bolster our dental healthcare workforce while also closing gaps in access across the state,” Gov. Evers said in a statement.
States join the compact by passing it through their state legislature and signing it into law by the state governor. Iowa became the first state to sign the compact into law on April 27, 2023. Since then, three other states, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin, have enacted the compact. View all legislative activity by accessing the compact map.
The compact is operationalized following the enactment by seven states. At that point, a commission consisting of one representative from each state will be formed and will create the rules and the application process.
Wisconsin Bill SB 689 Expands Dental Access with Dental Therapists
In a major win for dental access in Wisconsin, SB 689, allowing the licensure of dental therapists, recently passed with bipartisan support. The bill, introduced by Sen. Mary Felzkowski, enables mid-level dental practitioners to provide limited services under the supervision of a dentist, helping address gaps in care, especially in underserved areas. WI-DHA and WDA worked together to support the legislation, which aims to improve access to dental care for over 1.6 million Wisconsinites, particularly in rural and low-income communities. This move follows successful models from other states like Minnesota and promises to enhance dental health outcomes across Wisconsin.
