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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Maine. Degree required: Associate's degree or higher in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program (or educational equivalent as determined by the board). NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $150-$220. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Most information on this page has been verified.
83% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. 3 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Associate's degree or higher in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program (or educational equivalent as determined by the board)
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$150-$220
Total Initial Fees
30 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-4 years
Program Length
Required
NBDHE (National Board)
Required
Clinical Exam
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
National Board Exam (NBDHE)
VerifiedExam Name
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Passing Score
75%
Exam Format
350 multiple-choice questions, computer-based
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
State-Specific Exam
Maine jurisprudence examination also required
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Maine Jurisprudence Examination
Official Title
Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE, CDCA clinical exam, jurisprudence exam
Supervision
General and direct supervision of a dentist
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Public Health Dental Hygienist (PHS)
Requirements
Current RDH license, written supervision agreement with licensed dentist, notification and standing orders forms
Supervision
Written practice agreement with dentist; annual reporting required
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Independent Practice Dental Hygienist (IPDH)
Requirements
Current RDH license (or endorsement eligibility), NBDHE, CDCA exam, Maine jurisprudence exam, 2,000 work hours of clinical practice
Supervision
Independent practice; written practice agreement with dentist ONLY for interpretation of dental radiographs
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
Local Anesthesia Authority (LAN) is a separate authority requiring application, fee, course completion, and exam. Requires direct supervision of dentist. Nitrous Oxide Analgesia (NOX) authority requires course completion and exam; follows RDH renewal schedule. Maine also licenses Dental Hygiene Therapists (DHT), a mid-level provider. Independent Practice Dental Hygienists (IPDH) may practice independently but need a written agreement with a dentist ONLY for radiograph interpretation. Public Health Dental Hygienist settings include schools, medical facilities, nursing homes, mobile units, nonprofits, and community health centers.
Permitted Supervision Arrangements
VerifiedGeneral Supervision
Dentist authorizes procedures but need not be present
Direct Supervision
Dentist must be present in the facility
Indirect Supervision
Dentist has authorized procedures and is available
Unsupervised Practice
Hygienist can practice independently without a dentist
Notes
Maine offers the full spectrum of supervision: direct, general, public health (written agreement with dentist), and fully independent (IPDH - only requires dentist agreement for radiograph interpretation). Maine is one of the few states allowing truly independent dental hygiene practice.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee | $80 |
License Fee $140 if applying odd-numbered year, $70 if applying even-numbered year (registration fee) | $70-$140 |
Renewal Fee Biennial; total for license with all authorities may not exceed $150 | Up to $150 |
Total Initial Fees $80 application + $70-$140 registration (varies by year) | $150-$220 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennial); expires December 31 of even-numbered years
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
Up to $150
Includes all authorities (LA, nitrous, IPDH, etc.); renewal notices emailed 60 days before expiration
Regulatory Board
Dental hygienist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering infection control, CPR/BLS, ethics, and clinical topics relevant to dental hygiene practice.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Maine accepts out-of-state dental hygienist licenses through endorsement. Independent Practice authority requires 2,000 hours of verified clinical practice.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Dental hygienist license reciprocity varies by state. Many states offer licensure by credentials or endorsement for hygienists with active licenses in other states, though additional exams or documentation may be required.
CPR/BLS Certification Required
Background Check Required
Local Anesthesia Authority (LAN) requires separate application, course, and exam
Nitrous Oxide Analgesia (NOX) authority requires course and exam
Independent Practice (IPDH) requires 2,000 hours clinical practice and written dentist agreement for radiographs
Maine is one of the few states offering truly independent dental hygiene practice (IPDH) - requiring only a written agreement with a dentist for radiograph interpretation. Maine also licenses Dental Hygiene Therapists (DHT), a mid-level dental provider. All CE hours may be completed via distance learning. The total fee for a license with all authorities is capped at $150. Maine appears to only accept the CDCA clinical exam, which is more restrictive than many states that accept multiple regional exams. Registration fees vary by whether you apply in an odd-numbered year ($140) or even-numbered year ($70).
Maine is one of the few states allowing truly INDEPENDENT dental hygiene practice (IPDH).
IPDH only requires a dentist agreement for radiograph interpretation - everything else is independent.
Maine also licenses Dental Hygiene Therapists (DHT), a mid-level provider position.
All CE hours may be completed by distance learning.
Total fees for license with all authorities capped at $150.
Authorities (LAN, NOX, IPDH, PHS) follow the RDH renewal schedule and are listed on the license.
Public health settings include schools, nursing homes, mobile units, nonprofits, and community health centers.
Maine only lists CDCA as an accepted clinical exam (more restrictive than many states).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maine.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#27 of 51
Cost
#16 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$81,500
25th percentile
Median
$88,700
-6% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$94,390
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,000 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Dental Hygienists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.7%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+10,200
over 10 years
Annual Openings
12,200
per year (avg.)
218,200 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Dental Career Ladder+307% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$88,700
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$51,340
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$88,700
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$208,860
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–226 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Maine Board of Dental Practice — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Maine Board of Dental Practice — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Maine requires a Associate's degree or higher in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program (or educational equivalent as determined by the board) from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Maine Board of Dental Practice.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.