Dr. Catherine Watkins, a practicing dentist from North Carolina with 41 years of experience, recently shared her expertise on dental licensure during an interview with Cameron Corteggiano on the Becker’s Dental and DSO Review podcast.
State-Based Licensure Protects Public Health
Dr. Watkins highlighted how the AADB Compact maintains state independence in the licensure process while streamlining applications for dentists seeking to practice in multiple states. “The Compact put forth by AADB was modeled after the expedited medical licensure profile. I think that’s the most appropriate way to do it,” Dr. Watkins noted.
Dr. Watkins also emphasized the importance of continuity of care and competency in dental practice. “For me, as a practitioner, patient care brings me joy. The dental profession is a healthcare profession,” said Dr. Watkins. “We are challenged to treat oral disease, restore health, and restore function for people who need to chew and speak.”
Looking Forward
Dr. Watkins expressed hope that dentistry remains “dentist-driven” with patient care at the center of the profession’s future.
The AADB Compact offers a streamlined pathway to licensure while maintaining state authority over who can practice dentistry within their borders, requiring applicants to demonstrate competency through the ADEX exam or have five years of practice with a license in good standing.
Listen to the full podcast interview with Dr. Catherine Watkins here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clinical-excellence-compact-controversies-and-the/id1514826827?i=1000711850861