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How to become a licensed dental hygienist in Maryland. Degree required: Associate's degree minimum in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program. NBDHE: required. Local anesthesia permitted. Total initial fees: $325. Verified 2026-03-08. Data verified 2026-03-08. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Dental Hygienist
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Associate's degree minimum in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program
Degree Required
Required
NBDHE
Required
Clinical Exam
$325
Total Initial Fees
30 hrs
CE Hours
Allowed
Local Anesthesia
Degree Required
CODA-Accredited Program Required
Program Details
2-3 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 (200 discipline-based + 150 case-based), computer-based, 9 hours, administered by Pearson VUE
Clinical Exam
VerifiedAccepted Clinical Exams
Jurisprudence Exam
VerifiedExam Name
Maryland Dental Jurisprudence Examination
Passing Score
75%
Official Title
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Requirements
CODA-accredited degree, NBDHE (75 passing), clinical exam (CDCA-WREB-CITA, CRDTS, or SRTA), jurisprudence exam, CPR, background check
Supervision
General supervision
Additional Requirements
Permitted Procedures
VerifiedAllowed
Local Anesthesia
Allowed
Nitrous Oxide
Not Allowed
Restorative Duties
Not Allowed
Laser Use
Notes
LA permitted (infiltration and block) with Board recognition; N2O permitted with Board recognition and dentist must be in office; single $50 fee covers LA + N2O + medication administration permits combined; no restorative or laser privileges
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
General supervision for standard hygiene duties; direct supervision required for N2O administration; Maryland does NOT allow direct access practice
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial application fee | $275 |
Exam Fee NBDHE fee paid to JCNDE/ADA | $560 |
License Fee Combined LA/N2O/medication administration permit fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $182 |
Total Initial Fees Application $275 + LA/N2O/med admin $50 (excludes NBDHE exam fee) | $325 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (2 years)
Renewal Period
30 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$182
Biennial renewal; late fee $150
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
Maryland accepts out-of-state dental hygienist licenses through endorsement for $275; applicants must meet all Maryland requirements including jurisprudence exam
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
LA/N2O/medication administration Board recognition ($50 combined)
Temporary 90-day license available while background check pending
Single $50 fee covers LA + N2O + medication administration permits combined (unusual); temporary 90-day license available while background check is pending; no expanded or independent practice designations
Maryland issues RDH license only -- no expanded or independent practice designations available.
A single $50 fee covers LA + N2O + medication administration permits combined, which is unusual among states.
A temporary 90-day license is available while background check is pending.
LA includes both infiltration and block anesthesia with Board recognition.
N2O administration requires dentist to be present in office (direct supervision for N2O).
Late renewal fee is $150.
Dental hygienist scope of practice is expanding rapidly across states. Direct access, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide administration, and restorative functions vary significantly by state and may have changed since this data was last verified. Always confirm current scope with your state dental board.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Maryland.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#7 of 51
Cost
#32 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dental Hygienists (SOC 29-1292)
Entry Level
$100,640
25th percentile
Median
$105,140
+12% vs. national avg ($94,260)Experienced
$109,840
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,780 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+292% salary growth potential
You are here
Dental Hygienist
$105,140
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
Dental assisting program (9-12 months)
$48,280
You are here
Dental Hygienist
Associate/bachelor's in dental hygiene + NBDHE
$105,140
DDS/DMD degree (4 years) + INBDE
$189,330
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: Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NBDHE licensing exam.
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Maryland requires a Associate's degree minimum in dental hygiene from a CODA-accredited program from a CODA-accredited program. The NBDHE is required. Dental hygienists may administer local anesthesia. All licensing is managed through the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state dental board.